The Mariners have been crushing the ball on the road, while the Angels are scoring in the first inning at highest rate in the majors. That's why my best NRFI bets and YRFI bets are headlined by a clash between these AL West foes.
Check out the rest of my best free MLB picks for Friday, July 25.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Rays vs 
Reds: YRFI
Athletics vs 
Astros: YRFI
Mariners vs 
Angels: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for July 25
Rays at Reds: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Cincinnati Reds host the Tampa Bay Rays at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park today. The Reds plate a run in the first inning in 42% of their home games — the second-best number in the majors.
Rays righty Zack Littel has a 3.53 ERA through 20 starts but his expected ERA is significantly higher at 4.59. He's in the bottom 15th percentile in strikeout rate, barrel rate, and exit velocity, making him due for major regression.
The Reds are responding with lefty Nick Martinez, who has a 4.86 ERA in 20 starts. The Rays have improved at the plate over the last month and a half, ranking fourth in the majors in OPS (.758) since the start of June.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN
- Bet: YRFI
Athletics at Astros: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Houston Astros began the season ice-cold at the plate but have turned things around. They are batting .270 over the last 30 days and now rank second in the majors in OPS against lefties (.781).
That bodes well for their offensive success tonight at home against the Athletics and southpaw Jeffrey Springs. Springs has a 4.18 ERA and has been especially bad in the first inning ,where he has pitched to a 7.11 ERA while allowing an OPS of .901.
That said, Astros starter Ryan Gusto hasn't been any better.
The rookie has pitched to a 4.92 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP in 12 starts. He could get rocked by an A's lineup that ranks 10th in the majors in OPS (.733) and fifth in run first inning percentage (30.5%).
- Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Space City Home Network | NBCSCA
- Bet: YRFI
Mariners at Angels: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Seattle Mariners offense has been suppressed at home, where they play at an extreme pitcher's park. Take them on a road trip, however, and they light up the scoreboard.
The M's are first in the majors in OPS on the road (.790) and plate a run in the first inning in a whopping 39.2% of their away contests.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels are surging at the plate, ranking fourth in the majors in OPS (.777) over the last 30 days. They now lead the majors in run first inning percentage at 39.5%.
Both teams have solid starters on the mound. That said, Seattle's Bryan Woo has performed worse on the road, while Halos righty Jose Soriano has a middling 3.93 xERA and is in the Bottom 10th percentile in hard-hit rate and average exit velocity.
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network West | ROOTNW
- Bet: YRFI
❓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.
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