Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Diamondbacks vs Rockies Headlines Three Matchups to Target)
By Joe Summers
The No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) betting markets are jumping lately. We've got an incredible 15-game slate on tap for today and I'm thrilled to dive into my favorite plays.
Before you lock in your wagers at WynnBET Sportsbook, don't forget to peep the BetSided team's previews for each matchup.
Using odds from WynnBET, here are my favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day:
Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today
Braves vs Reds YRFI (-115)
The YRFI is 5-1 in Charlie Morton's last six starts as he sports a 9.60 ERA in the first inning. He's worse on the road than at home, and though he's pitched better recently, he's prone to slow starts.
Cincinnati scores in the first at one of the highest rates at home in MLB, though even if they don't cash in today, I still have faith in Atlanta's lineup against Luis Castillo.
Matt Olson adds a skyscraper to the Philly skyline 😳 pic.twitter.com/3wNS0t6E4v
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 28, 2022
Matt Olson and Atlanta are on fire offensively, leading MLB in OPS against right-handed pitchers over the last month. Despite pitching well in June, Castillo has a 5.14 ERA at home and a 4.50 ERA in the opening frame. I'll trust each lineup to get on the board early with favorable weather conditions to boot.
Orioles vs Twins NRFI (-115)
Tyler Wells is on an incredible stretch. The Orioles have won six straight behind him as he compiled a dazzling 2.42 ERA in June. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning against Seattle in his last start and hasn't allowed a first-inning run in three consecutive outings.
Devin Smeltzer, 7th, 8th and 9th Ks. pic.twitter.com/8jbELnEz9y
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 28, 2022
On the other end, I expect Smeltzer to find early success against Baltimore too. The Orioles are MLB's worst first-inning lineup, scoring a run in the opening frame less than 18% of the time while the Twins allow a first-inning run in only 23.81% of their home matchups.
I trust Wells and don't trust the Orioles' offense. Thus, the NRFI is the play.
Diamondbacks vs Rockies NRFI (+120)
Chad Kuhl is a dominant pitcher at Coors Field and a huge reason why I love the under in this game. But he also makes me favor the NRFI at plus odds, as I think oddsmakers are overvaluing the advantage Coors provides in this one.
In 14 starts, Kuhl has allowed a first-inning run just four times. The Diamondbacks score in the first inning in only 21.79% of their games and I think Kuhl keeps up his strong play.
#Dbacks Starter Zac Gallen has faced the Rockies 8 times in his career. In those starts he is 3-1 with a 2.11 ERA and in 47IP he has 57K’s against them.
— Dbacks takes, stats and info (@Dbacks_takes) July 3, 2022
Zac Gallen struggled in June, but he's dominated the Rockies in his career and has a sparkling 1.29 ERA in the first inning this year. He's held his opponent scoreless in the opening frame in 12 of his 14 starts. At plus odds, we're getting tremendous value on two pitchers we can trust.
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.