Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Trio of Strong Pitching Matchups Headline MLB Slate)
By Joe Summers
Hey, I'm starting to get the hang of this No Run First Inning (NRFI) & Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) thing! After a clean sweep of yesterday's slate, I've got an extra pip in my step as I hope to keep the winning streak alive.
While you're gathering with friends and family for the holiday, you want to be able to brag a bit and say you just hit a first-inning bet, right? I know I certainly do.
Using the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, here are my favorite NRFI and YRFI bets of Memorial Day:
Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today
Astros vs Athletics NRFI (-130)
My love for Paul Blackburn is well-documented and I'll keep riding the gravy train here. Houston has scored a first-inning run in only 17.86% of their road games as their offense is becoming a massive problem. They've scored five total runs in their last four games and with how dominant Blackburn has been, I don't expect them to score much today.
I also have faith in Framber Valdez, who has a 2.65 ERA this month with five consecutive quality starts. Oakland has scored a run in the first inning in only 20.83% of their home games, so we're getting tremendous value behind two excellent pitchers against mediocre lineups.
Orioles vs Red Sox NRFI (+120)
It's a dangerous proposition to fade the Red Sox offense, but there's ample reason to believe that Tyler Wells and Rich Hill can keep the score low early on. Wells has been better than his numbers suggest, and sports a tidy 3.04 ERA in five night starts. Hill should have success, as well, against an Orioles lineup that ranks 29th in OPS against left-handed pitchers this month.
Boston has scored a first-inning run in only 16.67% of their home games and Baltimore has scored one in just 8.16% of their games overall. At plus money, I'm happy to back these pitchers in the opening frame.
Rays vs Rangers NRFI (-120)
A ton of wind is expected in this matchup, but it's not blowing out to center field so it shouldn't be a huge problem. Drew Rasmussen has a 2.10 ERA in May and has been a marvel of consistency for Tampa Bay, allowing three or fewer runs in every single start.
Glenn Otto has been consistent as well and is rounding into form for Texas. He's allowed two or fewer runs in five of his six starts and hasn't allowed a home run in either of his last two.
The Rays are one of the stingiest first-inning teams in baseball, allowing an early run in only 15.79% of their road games. I have faith in each starter and with a low total on the board, I favor the NRFI.
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.