Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Bettors Can Actually Trust Patrick Corbin Today)
By Ben Heisler
On the final Sunday of the MLB regular season, there's a full slate of action to take advantage of with the rest of the betting world zoned in on NFL Sunday.
One of our favorites bets all season long have been these early NRFIs and YRFIs, so we can get in, get out, and keep the action moving.
With a full calendar of games to choose from, let's find the matchups that offer the best value on the board.
Here are my favorite no-run-first-inning (NRFI) and yes-run-first-inning (YRFI) bets for Sunday's slate:
Best NRFI Bet Today
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals NRFI (-145)
Um, Ben. Maybe you made a mistake here.
You want to take NO RUNS with Patrick Corbin on the mound for Washington?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I do!
For as awful as Corbin has been this year, he's actually been ok at home, and very good in the first inning at Nats Park. In 15 games, Corbin owns a 1.80 ERA in D.C., giving up just three earned runs and averaging a strikeout per inning. Opponents are also only hitting .218 against him in these spots as well.
Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler all season long has been nails, but has been very effective in the first inning as well. In 25 starts, Wheeler owns a 1.44 ERA in the first inning with a 24.5% strikeout rate.
Corbin's overall numbers are still atrocious with a 6.08 ERA this year, but he's the key difference maker in trusting him for today's NRFI bet.
Best YRFI Bet Today
Chicago White Sox vs. San Diego Padres (+125)
I wrote about why I'm taking the OVER in this afternoon matchup in San Diego earlier today, so let's get the party started in the first inning on a gorgeous day on the west coast.
The White Sox are amongst the best teams in baseball vs. left-handed pitchers, ranked in the top 3 in weighted-on-base-average (wOBA), weighted-runs-created-plus (wRC+), and batting average. They also don't strike out much vs. left-handed pitchers, ranking in the top six of baseball at less than 20%.
Meanwhile, Lance Lynn has given up 19 hits in his last two starts, including 10 runs (seven earned). He's also been roughed up in first innings this year with a 4.95 ERA in 20 games and opponents hitting just under .300 against him.
This feels like a bad line for two teams that actually match up very well against each other offensively, so I'll happily take this at plus-money.