Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Strider vs Nola Headlines Fantastic Slate)

Not quite the sweep I hoped for, but we'll take another winning day of No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets!

I'm ready to keep the dollar train chugging with today's 15-game MLB slate. There's several pitching matchups I've got my eye on, and I certainly have no interest in ending the victories now.

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

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Marlins vs Reds NRFI (-110)

Pablo Lopez is having his share of struggles, but he's still a dominant first inning pitcher. He's yet to allow a run in the first this month across four starts and takes on a Reds team that scores in the opening frame less than 25% of the time.

Cincy's flame-throwing rookie has had more downs than ups recently, but he's still an exceptional talent that ranks in the 98th percentile in fastball velocity. Miami ranks second-to-last in OPS against right-handed pitchers in July, so the Marlins are a perfect opponent for Greene to get back on track against.

Miami scores in the first inning in a truly pathetic 15.69% of their road games. Trust both pitchers to take advantage of mediocre lineups with a NRFI bet in this one.

Braves vs Phillies NRFI (-135)

This is my favorite pitching matchup of the day. We get Spencer Strider against Aaron Nola?? Take all of my money. These are two top-end pitchers and I can't wait to see them do battle.

Our own Ben Heisler made an excellent case for backing Aaron Nola to win Cy Young, and I think he's spot-on. He's got a 2.72 expected ERA and allowed just two first inning runs in 19 starts all season. Atlanta scores a run in the first in only 27.55% of their matchups, so I love Nola's chances to stay hot at home.

On the other end, my beloved Spencer Strider ranks in the 93rd percentile in expected batting average and 99th in strikeout percentage. He's gone nine consecutive starts without allowing a score in the first and seems to just be getting better.

This is my favorite bet on the slate. It's hammer time.

Astros vs Athletics NRFI (-140)

I'll round out the card by backing another strong pair of pitchers, Luis Garcia and Frankie Montas.

Garcia has a 2.25 ERA on the road and faces a dreadful Oakland lineup that scores in the first inning just over 20% of the time. With Houston's elite defense and Garcia's ability, I don't see the Athletics scoring.

But I have faith in Montas to limit Houston's bats, too. He's got a 2.27 ERA at home and the Astros are much worse on the road than at home. Take the NRFI - even with the extra juice, it's worth it.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.