Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Cubs vs Reds Headline Strong Slate)

I had a disappointing 1-2 day in No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets yesterday, but that's just going to make today's clean sweep feel that much sweeter.

We've got 16 games scheduled for today and a bunch of matchups jump out to me with value.

Let's not waste any time. Using odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day:

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Cubs vs Reds NRFI (+100)

I've got confidence in both Adrian Sampson and Graham Ashcraft in this game. Sampson hasn't allowed a first inning run in three straight starts and is settling into his own as a starter. He's got tremendous command and doesn't allow many home runs, two pivotal attributes in a good first inning pitcher.

Cincinnati scores in the opening frame at one of the worst rates in MLB and ranks 26th in OPS against right-handed pitchers since the All-Star break. Thus, I think Sampson gets it done for us.

I've got faith in Ashcraft too, who emerged as one of my favorite young pitchers throughout the season. With a 0.64 ERA this month, he's getting better with each start too.

The Cubs are a dangerous lineup, but perform much worse on the road. With Ashcraft's recent dominance, I love the plus odds on a NRFI between these clubs.

Brewers vs Cardinals NRFI (-140)

Corbin Burnes is one of MLB's premier first inning pitchers, giving up just two runs over 22 starts in 2022. He already threw seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals this season, and I feel obligated to at least look into backing the NRFI each time he starts.

While Adam Wainwright isn't as dominant as Burnes, he's still got a 2.47 ERA at home and faces a struggling Brewers club that scores in the first inning only 26.67% of the time on the road.

It feels almost certain that Burnes will shut the Cardinals down early. Even though -140 feels like a lot of juice, we're really just betting on Wainwright keeping the Brewers at bay for one inning. I believe he can do that.

Twins vs Angels YRFI (-115)

Whenever Dylan Bundy is on the mound, I'm thinking a lot of runs are in store. He's got a 6.62 ERA in his last five starts with an equally brutal 6.63 ERA on the road this year.

The weather forecast calls for wind out to center field, increasing the chances we see an early home run. Bundy gave up at least one in four straight starts, and hitters like Shohei Ohtani are ready to make him pay.

Reid Detmers has been impressive for Los Angeles of late, but he's still got a 5.29 ERA in the first inning and the Twins score at one of the highest rates in MLB. Neither club is overly impressive defensively either. But it altogether and you've got a lovely recipe for a YRFI bet.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.