Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Marlins Remain Best NRFI Bet)

As it happens, the only No Run First Inning (NRFI) or Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bet I hit yesterday happened to be the one with the largest odds (+130) between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. Los Angeles Angels stud Shohei Ohtani surrendered an early run, and the San Diego Padres somehow couldn't score on Patrick Corbin.

There's a lesson there, and I'll do my best to capitalize on plus odds opportunities moving forward.

It's time to get back on the winning train and I love the matchups we've got in store. Using odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI MLB bets of the day:

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Reds vs Phillies YRFI (-115)

Luis Cessa hasn't allowed a run for the Cincinnati Reds since July 4, but I love the Philadelphia Phillies' chances to get on the board early in today's matchup. Philadelphia scores in the first inning over 35% of the time at home and Cessa ranks in just the 10th percentile in barrel percentage and 20th in expected batting average.

Kyle Schwarber is rounding back into form after injury, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him go deep.

Even if the Phillies don't get on the board in the opening frame, Cincinnati has to feel good about its chances against Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard ranks in only the 17th percentile in expected batting average himself and has an 8.59 first inning ERA. The Reds' lineup is struggling, but with perfect weather conditions in store, this is the perfect day for an early breakout.

Braves vs Pirates YRFI (-110)

Jake Odorizzi is a pitcher I want to fade as often as possible, even against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Odorizzi has a 5.93 ERA this month for the Atlanta Braves and just gave up three home runs in his last start.

In each of Odorizzi's last three outings for the Atlanta Braves, he has an expected FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) above 5.45. That mark would easily be the worst in MLB over the course of the season, so Odorizzi is pitching like the league's worst starter right now.

As much as I like Roansy Contreras' potential for Pittsburgh as well, even I have to admit his performances haven't been up to par. He's yet to give up a run in the first inning, but it feels only a matter of time. Just look at his MLB Statcast Pitching Profile:

After issuing four walks last week, Contreras' command is shaky and Atlanta should take advantage.

Back the YRFI as at least one of these lineups should put up an early run.

Marlins vs Athletics NRFI (-130)

I'm all aboard the Edward Cabrera hype train - the kid's got the goods. In three starts since returning from injury, here are the Miami Marlins' 24-year-old flame-thrower's stats:

• 14.2 innings pitched
• 0 runs
• 6 hits
• 7 walks
• 21 strikeouts

That. Will. Play.

I expect his sensational stretch to continue against an Oakland Athletics' lineup that ranks 24th in OPS against right-handed pitchers this month and scores in the first inning at one of the worst rates in MLB.

I love betting the NRFI with Miami because their pitching staff is exceptional but their lineup is horrific. They've scored in the first in only 12.70% of their road games, and Adam Oller has proven capable of shutting down poor offenses.

Roll with the NRFI as Cabrera sizzles and the Marlins' lineup fizzles.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.