Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Blue Jays vs Orioles Headlines Three Games to Target)

We were a two-out Marlins error away from another clean sweep yesterday, but I can't be mad at a winning day of No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets!

The highlight yesterday was Shane Bieber holding his opponent scoreless in the first for the 19th time in 21 starts, so be on watch for his next outing with the Cleveland Guardians.

With a loaded 15-game MLB slate and games sprinkled throughout the afternoon, I'm thrilled to get back on the saddle and gun for that elusive sweep.

Without further ado, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day, using odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Nationals vs Cubs NRFI (-130)

Last week, I waxed poeticly about how good Washington Nationals' starter Josiah Gray is on the road. He promptly surrendered six runs in four innings, so that didn't go so well.

I still believe in Gray, though, and am going right back to the well against the Chicago Cubs today. Prior to last week, Gray had a 5-0 record and 2.45 ERA on the road. He excels in day games, with a 2.64 ERA, and I'm encouraged by the development of his breaking pitches.

Meanwhile, Justin Steele has a 2.28 ERA in his last five home starts and has a sparkling 2.25 ERA in the first inning. With Washington's recent offensive struggles, I expect another strong outing from Steele.

Marlins vs Phillies NRFI (-140)

Fingers crossed the Marlins don't commit another goofy error and blow this one. Sandy Alcantara is going to win the NL Cy Young and just threw a complete game shutout against the Reds. He's been sensational in every way this season and has a 1.64 ERA in the first inning.

The Phillies are hitting well, but Sandy is a superhero. Superheroes win out in these kinds of matchups.

Noah Syndergaard may not be "Thor" anymore, but he's still pretty darn good himself. Miami scores in the first inning in only 16.51% of its games and ranks 26th in OPS against right-handed pitchers since the All-Star break. Thus, I see tremendous value in the NRFI.

Blue Jays vs Orioles YRFI (-110)

Baltimore's lineup struggled throughout most of the season in the first inning, but its hot right now. With Jose Berrios pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, I'm all over the Orioles today.

Berrios has an awful 7.50 ERA in road games and a 5.91 ERA in the first inning. He has a FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) over 11.29 in three of his last four road starts, which is almost impossibly bad. Marco Gonzales has the worst FIP among qualified pitchers at 5.11, so Berrios on the road is literally twice as bad as MLB's worst starter.

Dean Kremer is better than Berrios, but not by that much. He's got a 5.04 expected ERA and ranks in the ninth percentile in expected batting average. Toronto scores in the first at the third-highest rate in MLB, so I love the YRFI in this matchup.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.