MLB 1st 5 Inning Totals Doubleheader - Sunday
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Miami Marlins vs Detroit Tigers
- Release Date
- 04/12/2026 06:59 AM
- Event Date
- 04/12/2026 01:40 PM
- Bet Type
- 1st Half Over / Under
- Pick
-
Miami Marlins vs Detroit Tigers Under 3.5 (-135)
(BetOnline)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- Elite pitching between Miami and Detroit leads my best first five innings under pick of the weekend. Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.74 ERA, 0.58 WHIP) for the Marlins against Tarik Skubal (1-2, 2.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). Both pitchers have limited action through their first few starts, with Alcantara working deep into games this season tallying 24.1 innings.
Batting averages matter less when considering an early under because pitchers cannot issue many free baserunners on hits alone. However, both of these starters profiles as high-caliber options to stop run-scoring early for that reason. Alcantara has allowed 10 hits and two earned runs across 24 1/3 innings this season. He also has yet to allow a home run in 2021. Pitchers not allowing homers are automatically going to boost any under total, especially in the first five innings.
Skubal has racked up 16 strikeouts over his 17.2 innings as well. MLB.com previewed the game by billing it as an opportunity for both starters to showcase Cy Young-caliber talent, meaning it should not be easy to reach base. Strong matchups on both sides with elites behind the bump pair well with limited action on the basepaths to project first five innings under totals.
Both teams scored runs in the first two games of this series, but Sunday’s matinee starts both teams’ best pitchers. The Tigers took both of the first two games, beating Miami by seven runs on Saturday. This game feels like a pitchers’ duel from the jump, which bodes well for the under and Sunday being a competitive, playoff-style contest. Detroit wants to avoid the sweep while Miami actually has a chance to avoid it behind its best pitcher. The Marlins vs. Tigers first five innings under is one of my picks for Sunday.
Jim's Play: 969. Marlins/Tigers UNDER 1st 5 Innings
