Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Phillies vs Reds & Two Other Matchups With Value)

I'm an impatient person. Truthfully, I can't wait for anything.

When I'm reading a fiction book, for example, I like to glance at the last chapter to see where the story is going. If I'm watching a TV series or movie, I check Wikipedia to get spoilers.

It's probably a dumb mindset, but I'm all about instant gratification. On the bright side though, that means I love No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets. We've got a glorious 14-game MLB slate scheduled and although I can't check a Back to the Future almanac to pick winners, I've still got a few matchups I'm targeting.

Using odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day:

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Phillies vs Reds YRFI (-115)

A pair of strong first inning lineups against two pitchers that struggle early? Sign me up for a YRFI bet.

Noah Syndergaard has an 8.59 ERA in the opening frame and hasn't been sharp, amassing an expected FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) above 4.09 in each of his last four starts. The Cincinnati Reds score in the first 31.03% of the time at home, so I've got faith in their lineup.

That being said, the real reason to back the YRFI here is that Mike Minor pitches for the Reds. He's been sharp in the first inning overall, but remains perhaps MLB's worst starting pitcher with a 1-9 record and 6.24 ERA. Minor has an expected FIP above 4.97 in five consecutive starts, and the Philadelphia Phillies offense will make him pay.

With favorable weather conditions in store, I love the value on the YRFI in this matchup.

Orioles vs Blue Jays YRFI (-115)

A lot of folks are visual learners, myself included, so I'd like to make my argument for the YRFI by showing you the MLB Statcast Pitching Profile for today's starting pitchers.

First, Kyle Bradish of the Baltimore Orioles:

Pretty bad! Next, Yusei Kikuchi of the Toronto Blue Jays:

Yuck, even worse! Bradish has a 7.62 ERA in the first inning while Toronto scores in the opening frame over 36% of the time at home. Kikuchi has a 6.75 ERA in the first and just gave up three home runs to these Orioles in his last start.

I'm honestly a bit stunned we're getting -115 odds here and I'm rushing to the window at WynnBET to lock my YRFI wager in.

Mets vs Braves NRFI (-130)

The New York Mets roughed up my beloved Spencer Strider last week, pouring on four runs in just 2.2 innings. That was rude.

Well, Strider gets his revenge today. He was unlucky in that outing, as he still amassed a 2.73 expected FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) despite the onslaught of runs. He called the Mets "lucky" after that start, and although he probably shouldn't have said that, he was right.

New York scores in the opening frame just 23.21% of the time on the road, so Strider has a great opportunity to back up his comments.

Carlos Carrasco, meanwhile, is on fire. He's allowed just five earned runs in his last five starts and the Braves aren't a stellar first inning team, scoring in just over 28% of their games.

Back the NRFI as each pitcher tosses up zeroes early.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.