Everything about tonight's matchup between the Diamondbacks and Cardinals suggests we'll see some early offense. That why my MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the first inning of that NL clash.
Check out my other best NRFI bets and YRFI bets for Friday, May 23.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
@ 
Run in the first inning – NO
@ 
Run in the first inning – NO
@ 
Run in the first inning – YES
GET THE BEST ODDS ACROSS 40+ STATES WITH PROPHETX
Download ProphetX today using code Covers and earn up to 300 in Prophet Cash over your first 30 days.
ProphetX is the first ever peer-to-peer sports exchange, play against others, not the house — even request your own odds!
Eligible U.S. locations only. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NRFI/YRFI bets for May 23
Cubs at Reds: NRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The Chicago Cubs will send southpaw Matthew Boyd to the hill for tonight's clash with the Cincinnati Reds. Boyd has impressed this year, pitching to a 2.98 ERA through nine starts.
He's been terrific his first time through a lineup, posting an OBA of .181 against batters in their first plate appearance. Meanwhile, the Reds have struggled against lefties, batting just .206.
Cincy will have ace Hunter Greene on the hill. Greene was named an All-Star for the first time last year and has been even better this season, pitching to a 2.36 ERA with a 0.81 WHIP in eight starts.
Greene has a 2.25 ERA with an OBA of .111 in the opening frame and he should be able to stifle a productive Cubs lineup early.
Jays at Rays: NRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The Toronto Blue Jays are 24th in the majors in run first inning rate (24.5%), while the Tampa Bay Rays are 27th (22.5%). Slumping offenses has been a theme for both of these teams with the Rays 24th in the majors in OPS (.676) and the Jays having an OPS of just .666 on the road.
Toronto will struggle to generate runs against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, who has a 2.93 ERA through nine starts. Rasmussen tends to start strong, pitching to a 2.59 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP in the opening frame across 59 starts in his career.
The Jays will give the pill to lefty Eric Lauer, who draws another start after looking sharp in his last two outings. Lauer has a 2.25 ERA with an xERA of 2.81 across 12 innings.
Diamondbacks at Cardinals: YRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are third in the majors in OPS (.783) and score a run in the first inning at the fourth-highest rate (36%). They'll face St. Louis Cardinals righty Miles Mikolas, who has an xERA of 4.45 through nine starts.
The D-Backs respond with Zac Gallen, who has a 5.14 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP across 56 innings. He won't find it easy to navigate a Cards lineup that leads the majors with a batting average of .287 at home.
Gallen has pitched to a 8.10 ERA with an OBA of .295 in the first inning while Mikolas has an ugly .350 OBA in the opening frame.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
