Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Shane McClanahan & Luis Severino Highlight Pitching Matchups To Target)

MacKenzie Gore has a winnable matchup against Pittsburgh today
MacKenzie Gore has a winnable matchup against Pittsburgh today / Lachlan Cunningham/GettyImages
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We've got an action-packed day in store with 15 MLB games on the schedule. The BetSided team has you covered from every angle and we'll keep you updated on all the latest news and updates before you place your wagers today.

The latest and greatest betting craze, No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI), is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to bet. There's just something about that instant gratification of knowing within a few minutes if you've won or lost.

I was dreadful at these to open the season, but I'm starting to find my footing. Practice makes perfect, after all!

Using the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, let's check out my favorite NRFI and YRFI bets for today as I hope to keep the good vibes rolling:

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today

Yankees vs Rays NRFI (-145)

This is a stellar pitching matchup and I expect each lineup to struggle all game long. Shane McClanahan is quickly becoming one of the game's most dominant pitchers and Luis Severino has been fantastic this season.

The Yankees allow a first-inning run just 14.89% of the time and score a first-inning run in less than 30% of their games. With one of the lowest totals on the board and a pair of excellent pitchers, I love the NRFI in this one, even if we have to pay some extra juice.

Rockies vs Nationals YRFI (-110)

There's been a run scored in the first inning in each of the first two games of this series and I expect another early run today. Washington ranks fourth in MLB in first-inning score percentage and face a beatable pitcher in Kyle Freeland. He's been great on the road but is in the 18th percentile in expected batting average and 23rd in expected ERA.

But the reason I'm all over the YRFI is on the other side, where the Rockies should hammer Josiah Gray. The 24-year-old is in the first percentile in barrel percentage and has been horrible at home, amassing a 10.77 ERA in his last three outings. He gives up a ton of home runs, allowing nine dingers already this month. Getting -110 odds on one of the worst pitchers in baseball giving up a run is a bet I'll happily take every time.

Pirates vs Padres NRFI (-130)

Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams in baseball at scoring first-inning runs, getting one in only 15% of their road games. MacKenzie Gore has been sensational this year, compiling a 2.06 ERA in seven appearances, and I have no concerns about him shutting the Pirates' lineup down in the opening frame.

I also like the chances that Roansy Contreras keeps the Padres scoreless. The dude has a cannon, ranking in the 94th percentile in fastball velocity. He threw five scoreless innings against the Rockies in his last start and has allowed just one run in his last 11 innings. San Diego has the third-worst OPS against right-handed pitchers this month and their struggles should continue today.


Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.