Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Can Edward Cabrera's Dominant Stretch Continue?)
By Joe Summers
It's been a few days since I've written up No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets, so I'm back with a vengeance this afternoon.
There's a ton of mouth-watering matchups worth targeting, but I've selected the three best to bring home some cash for us.
Using odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day:
Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today
Dodgers vs Marlins NRFI (-160)
The Miami Marlins score in the first inning only 15.08% of the time, and Julio Urias has a 0.75 ERA this month. Thus, I don't foresee a scenario in which Miami scores in the opening frame. What this bet comes down to, then, is whether Edward Cabrera can toss up a zero against the vaunted Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup. I'm betting he can.
Cabrera hasn't allowed a single run in his last four starts, surrendering just eight hits total over 22.2 innings while striking out 28 batters. He's suddenly one of MLB's most dominant pitchers, and I think his incredible streak continues in his most challenging matchup yet.
Orioles vs Astros NRFI (-140)
Austin Voth has allowed a first inning run just once in 11 starts, as he's surprisingly been a steadying force in the Baltimore Orioles' rotation. He's got a 3-0 record and 2.86 ERA this month, showcasing an impressive ability to limit hard contact. The Houston Astros' bats are slumping a bit relative to their standards, so Voth is in good position to hold Houston scoreless early.
Justin Verlander needs no introduction, but the AL Cy Young-favorite has been incredible. He's got a 1.57 first inning ERA and allowed more than three runs just once in 23 starts so far this year. Baltimore scores in the first inning in only 20.63% of its games. Thus, I love the chances we see both pitchers find early success.
Padres vs Royals YRFI (-145)
Both clubs will have opportunities to score in the first, as Sean Manaea and Jonathan Heasley are practically batting practice for these lineups.
Manaea has a 6.75 ERA in August and a 4.30 ERA in the first inning. He's struggled to limit hard contact and walks, and is a pitcher I've looked to fade consistently for the last couple of months. Meanwhile, Heasley has a 5.14 ERA in the first inning with an expected FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) above 5.08 in five of his last six starts. Just look at the poor sap's MLB Statcast Pitching Profile and tell me you can't imagine Juan Soto blasting a ball to the Milky Way:
If I could bet on both teams to score in the first, I would. Instead, I'll settle for the YRFI at delightful odds.
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picksย here.