A Number's Game | April 8, 2026 | Hour 1
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In this episode of VSiN Best Bets, Gil Alexander and Kelly Bidlin dive deep into the early-season baseball and golf landscapes, with a spotlight on Sandy Alcantara’s near-history-making performance for the Miami Marlins. Alcantara pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout under 100 pitches—what’s known as a 'Maddox'—only to be pulled with two outs in the ninth inning, allowing the Reds to rally and win. The hosts reflect on the strategic and emotional weight of that moment, emphasizing how analytics and game theory shape decisions. The show then shifts to Masters Week, featuring insights from Dave Tindall, who presents his annual 'Masters Trends' formula, concluding that Jon Rahm is the top pick based on age, form, recent major performance, and Augusta-specific metrics. Sia Najad joins to share his first-round leader and outright picks, highlighting Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young as value plays, while also making a compelling case for debutante Jacob Bridgman. The episode wraps with NBA betting analysis from Nick Whalen, covering matchups involving the Cavs, Bucks, Grizzlies, and Nuggets, with a focus on props, over/unders, and long-shot potential. The hosts also promote the Splash Sports Masters Challenge, a high-stakes fantasy-style contest with a $100,000 guarantee.
Sandy Alcantara came within two outs of becoming the first pitcher since Greg Maddox to throw back-to-back 'Maddox' complete game shutouts under 100 pitches.
Dave Tindall’s data-driven Masters Trends model identifies Jon Rahm as the top pick due to strong Augusta form, recent major performance, and lack of complacency after a top-10 finish last year.
Sia Najad advocates for value in Xander Schauffele (18-to-1) and Cameron Young (23-to-1), while also betting on debutante Jacob Bridgman at 90-to-1 as a long shot with strong underlying metrics.
Nick Whalen recommends CJ McCollum over 2.5 threes (-110) and Jokic over 10.5 assists (-127) as high-conviction props, citing defensive weaknesses and consistent play.
The Splash Sports Masters Challenge is live with a $500 entry, $100,000 guaranteed prize, and a 24-hour deadline—ideal for fans wanting to engage with game theory and strategy.
Opening the Masters Week Show
Gil Alexander and Kelly Bidlin kick off the episode with a lively intro from Circa Resort Casino, setting the tone for a heavy focus on Masters Week, baseball highlights, and the upcoming Splash Sports Masters Challenge.
Sandy Alcantara's Near-History-Making Performance
“He was two outs away from not only a back to back complete game shutouts, which hasn't been done in Major League Baseball. I was looking this up. Some reports said 2015, although nobody could could produce a name. I know Cliff Lee did it in 2010, but it was also a chance for a back to back Maddox.”
Dave Tindall's Masters Trends Formula
“I only have one follow-up and we'll let you go Dave, which is now Dave Tindall, the golf observer, the golf better, the golf fan. When you see that result, does that sort of check out for you? You think that that sounds about right? I was very happy to see him to see him come out. Number one, I always make sure I don't try and manipulate the numbers. I just let them flow out.”
Sia Najad's First-Round Leaders & Outright Picks
“I just think things that we think are unlikely are often way more likely to happen than our brains allow ourselves to process. So I think it's an interesting thing.”
NBA Betting Analysis & Final Thoughts
Nick Whalen provides in-depth NBA betting insights, including CJ McCollum over 2.5 threes, Jokic over 10.5 assists, and under bets on the Blazers, while also discussing playoff seeding implications and long-shot potential from the Charlotte Hornets.
“I just think things that we think are unlikely are often way more likely to happen than our brains allow ourselves to process. So I think it's an interesting thing.”
“I only have one follow-up and we'll let you go Dave, which is now Dave Tindall, the golf observer, the golf better, the golf fan. When you see that result, does that sort of check out for you? You think that that sounds about right? I was very happy to see him to see him come out. Number one, I always make sure I don't try and manipulate the numbers. I just let them flow out.”
“He was two outs away from not only a back to back complete game shutouts, which hasn't been done in Major League Baseball. I was looking this up. Some reports said 2015, although nobody could could produce a name. I know Cliff Lee did it in 2010, but it was also a chance for a back to back Maddox.”
Hosts
Guests
Sandy Alcantara
person
Jon Rahm
person
Gil Alexander
person
Dave Tindall
person
Nick Whalen
person
Cameron Young
person
Kelly Bidlin
person
VSiN
organization
Sia Najad
person
Xander Schauffele
person
VSiN By The Books | March 31, 2026 | Hour 1
VSiN Best Bets • 45m • 3/31/2026
VSiN By The Books | March 31, 2026 | Hour 2
VSiN Best Bets • 45m • 3/31/2026
VSiN By The Books | March 31, 2026 | Hour 3
VSiN Best Bets • 45m • 3/31/2026
A Numbers Game | March 31, 2026 | Hour 1
VSiN Best Bets • 45m • 3/31/2026
A Numbers Game | March 31, 2026 | Hour 2
VSiN Best Bets • 45m • 3/31/2026
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