The Mets have been red-hot at the dish, but I'm betting on them to get off to a slow start against Reds ace Andrew Abbott today.
My MLB picks are also expecting a run to be scored in the first inning of games in Detroit and Los Angeles. Here are my best NRFI bets and YRFI bets for Friday, September 5.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
White Sox vs 
Tigers: YRFI
Mets vs 
Reds: NRFI
Athletics vs 
Angels: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for September 5
White Sox at Tigers: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Detroit Tigers are fourth in the majors in OPS at home (.786) while plating 5.13 runs per game.
Today they are at home against the Chicago White Sox and starter Shane Smith. Smith has an expected ERA of 4.27 and sits in the bottom 10th percentile in hard-hit rate.
The Tigers counter with righty Jack Flaherty, who has a 4.74 ERA through 27 starts. Flaherty has gotten rocked in his last five starts, surrendering 20 runs across 26 2/3 innings. He won't find it easy to navigate a White Sox lineup that has a solid .739 OPS over the last 30 days.
With the wind also blowing towards the outfield at 20 mph, the YRFI looks like a solid bet.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit | CHSN
- Bet: YRFI
Mets at Reds: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
New York Mets southpaw David Peterson had a few rough starts in August, but he still has a solid 3.61 ERA through 152 innings. Peterson made his first All-Star game this year and he's been lights out in the first inning, where he has a 2.42 ERA with an OBA of .172.
Peterson is an extreme ground ball pitcher, which will lessen damage at a home-run friendly venue like Great American Ball Park. He should be able to contain a Cincinnati Reds lineup that has an OPS of just .653 against lefties.
Meanwhile, the Reds will have their own All-Star lefty on the hill in Andrew Abbott. Abbot has pitched to a sparkling 2.65 ERA with an OBA of .225 through 24 starts. The Mets have been productive at the plate but have seen a significant drop-off against lefties, batting just .238.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | SNY
- Bet: NRFI
Athletics at Angels: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Athletics will give another start to rookie Mason Barnett tonight. Barnett was torched in his MLB debut last week, surrendering eight hits and five runs before getting the hook after four innings.
Considering that he had a 6.13 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP in 23 starts at Triple-A, I'm not confident that he'll be much better in his second big league outing. He's facing a Los Angeles Angels squad that has dangerous sluggers at the top of its lineup and ranks third in the majors in run first inning percentage (35%).
Righty Jose Soriano will toe the rubber for L.A. Soriano has a 5.11 ERA in 14 starts at home and he ranks in the bottom fifth percentile in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate. That's bad news against the A's, who are seventh in the majors in OPS (.750) and fifth in run first inning rate (31.9%).
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network West | NBCSCA
- 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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