Bryce Hunt suggested betting the San Francisco Giants first five innings (+0.5) against the Philadelphia Phillies, arguing that the Giants have a considerable advantage facing veteran starter Aaron Nola, whose fastball velocity is noticeably down this season. While Nola has survived early in the year due to precise command, Hunt argues that forecasted windy and chilly weather conditions in Philadelphia on game day could negatively impact his control. With struggling fastball velocity and difficult pitching conditions, a solid Giants lineup with demonstrated breakout potential could capitalize early. On the Giants' side, Hunt expressed confidence in starter Robbie Ray despite his slow start, attributing struggles to consistently poor pitching weather he's faced. While Ray hasn't fully adapted the "kick change" that looked promising in spring training, Hunt still believes strongly in Ray's upside, especially in this advantageous matchup. His betting model projects the Giants to have a three-run edge after five innings, clearly indicating solid value in a first-five innings bet on San Francisco.

Bryce Hunt recommended betting the Seattle Mariners first five innings line against the Cincinnati Reds on April 16th. He emphasized that while Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati is notoriously hitter-friendly (second only to Colorado), Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller should benefit as the Reds offense ranks last in MLB in hard-hit percentage and exit velocity. Bryce Miller's four-seam fastball has been reliable, though his secondary pitches have needed some improvement this season. Hunt acknowledges Miller can be prone to giving up home runs, but he expects the struggling Reds lineup to minimize this disadvantage. On the other side, Reds starter Nick Martinez is considered more hittable overall. The betting model supports this analysis strongly, projecting a significant advantage (three-run lead after five innings) for the Mariners. Hunt believes Seattle's offense has recently shown signs of life, increasing confidence in this selection.

Bryce Hunt recommended betting the NRFI (no run first inning) for the Tigers-Mariners matchup on April 1st. He’s excited about Casey Mize's improved velocity (96-97 mph fastball), slider development, splitter usage, and strong spring. Mize's impressive physical stats such as elite fastball extension and 18 inches of vertical movement have him positioned for a breakout season. Hunt believes Seattle's pitcher-friendly ballpark remains intact without rumored hitting adjustments. He emphasized Logan Gilbert's strong opening start, going seven innings with 16 whiffs, eight strikeouts, and one earned run, making him confident Gilbert will easily shut down Detroit early. Bryce expects this pitching matchup combined with a favorable environment to result in a clean first inning, continuing his team’s momentum from their recent strong NRFI streak (8-0 run).

Bryce Hunt is confident in the No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet for the Mets and Marlins matchup on April 1st. He pointed out early-season strength of pitchers vs batters and the hitters' challenges in timing this early in the year. Miami starter Sandy Alcantara already looked excellent on opening day against Pittsburgh, generating 16 whiffs while sitting at 97 mph, solid slider usage and effectiveness early before tiring. Kodei Senga for the Mets had limited action last year due to injury but had a great second half in 2023 with his four-seam, cutter, and splitter combination ("ghost fork"). Bryce views Miami as having a weak offense, failing to score a first-inning run in their opening games despite their early 3-1 record. He expects both pitchers to handle opposing lineups easily through the first inning.

Bryce Hunt recommended taking the under (5.5) on Sonny Gray's strikeout total for his Opening Day matchup against the Minnesota Twins. He cited Gray struggling through spring training with inefficient outings, pitch count concerns (70-80 pitches max), and drops in metrics for key pitches like his sinker and sweeper. Hunt noted Minnesota was among the league's lowest strikeout teams last season and expressed skepticism Gray can sustain last season’s elevated strikeout percentage, projecting fewer innings and needing a strong performance to hit the over as further reasoning.

Bryce Hunt advised betting Cleveland Guardians first five innings plus half a run against the Kansas City Royals on Opening Day. He believes Tanner Bibee is undervalued by the market, citing Bibee's strong historical performance against the Royals (2-0, 3.67 ERA, 26 strikeouts in five matchups). Meanwhile, Royals pitcher Cole Ragans historically has struggled against Cleveland, going 0-2 with nearly a 6 ERA. Hunt's model projects Cleveland ahead 3-1 through five innings and sees value with the Guardians as underdogs in early innings, even noting a tie scenario still produces a betting win.