Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Back Dodgers to Bash in Madison Bumgarner Early)
By Ben Heisler
After a few early afternoon matchups in the Big Leagues, we've got a 13-game evening slate to play around with for our wagers this Wednesday.
You can check out all of BetSided's MLB write-ups, picks and predictions here, as well as our team's best bets for every game, but if you're looking for a couple of quick hitters to get you in-and-out of the first inning tonight, no-run-first-inning (NRFI), as well as yes-run-first-inning (YRFI) bets are a great opportunity to cash in on a few notable trends and stats that get you in and out fast.
Here are my two favorites on the board tonight, with one coming from each side of the coin.
Best NRFI Bet Today
Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins
We've got ourselves a very good, under-the-radar pitching matchup tonight in South Florida with Jesús Luzardo facing Marcus Stroman. The line even reflects that it should be a pitcher's duel as the total sits at just 6.5 runs with two very inconsistent offenses.
Luzardo mowed down Chicago the last time he faced them, shutting them down for seven innings in one of his best starts of the season. Stroman has plenty of experience vs. the Fish in his time in New York, but has yet to face them this season.
Both pitchers have been excellent in the first inning this year, but especially Luzardo; limiting opponents to just .148 in the first inning; striking out 39% of hitters he faces.
Miami also is the best NRFI team in all of baseball. Granted, the Cubs are actually a game above .500 in this department, but I don't trust them to get off to a good start against the always-tough Luzardo.
Best YRFI Bet Today
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers
Any time an opportunity comes along to fade Madison Bumgarner, you take it.
The former World Series MVP has been a disaster since coming to Arizona. In 29 starts this season, his first inning ERA sits at 6.21, with opponents hitting .292 against him.
The Dodgers own by far and away the most lethal offense in baseball in nearly every single category. This is David vs. Goliath, except David's slingshot has no speed or spin.
As for Dodgers starter Dustin May, while he's yet to allow a run in the first through five starts, he has also walked six batters compared to just six strikeouts. At some point, that lack of accuracy could come back to bite him.
Ultimately, this is more of a backing of the Dodgers' offense, but I think the value still applies on both sides.
Follow all of Ben's betting plays in real-time HERE!