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Best NRFI and YRFI bets today (Back Big Maple in Minnesota)

By Josh Yourish

Jun 12, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) hits a double against Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton (65) in the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) hits a double against Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton (65) in the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Let’s get into two Monday night first inning bets to kick off our week of gambling. No need to wait for any games on the 10-game baseball slate to finish up before cashing our first bet of the new week. We can win after just six outs with No Run First Inning and Yes Run First Inning bets.

Here are my picks for NRFI and YRFI and odds for both. Let’s go!

Best NRFI bet today

The Red Sox just swept the Yankees over the weekend and want to keep the momentum going. It might be a bit difficult to keep scoring runs like they did in New York against Pablo Lopez though. Lopez has a FIP of 3.57 much lower than his ERA and Boston is 21st in first inning runs per game at 0.49. If Lopez gets the first three outs of this one without letting a run across, then we can feel great about the next three.

James Paxton has a 3.09 ERA in six starts this year with a 94th percentile strikeout rate. Minnesota has not only struck out the most of any team in baseball this year, but they’re also 28th in OPS against left-handed pitching. Minnesota is 18th in first inning runs per game, 0.50.

Best YRFI bet today

The Pirates need more offense, so enter Henry Davis. While the former No. 1 pick might not come up to the plate in the first inning, the Pirates are 12th in OPS against lefties without him. Andrew McCutchen and likely Connor Joe will have trips to the plate and that’s a great opportunity for offense against Drew Smyly and the Cubs.

On the other side is Osvaldo Bido making his second start in the big leagues. He allowed just one run over four innings last time, but allowed four hits and three walks and needed 91 pitches. That’s not a consistent recipe for success and now the Cubs will be familiar with him after facing him in that debut last week.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change