The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels clash this afternoon at Rogers Centre in a game where runs should be a precious commodity.
That matchup headlines my favorite MLB picks for today in the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI and YRFI bets for Saturday, May 9.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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- NRFI
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
Angels at Blue Jays: NRFI (-120)
Two good arms take the hill in this matchup as Jack Kochanowicz and Trey Yesavage battle it out.
Kochanowicz hasn't allowed a run in the first inning in three straight starts, and he's only given up five earned runs during that span. He faced the Toronto Blue Jays on April 21, and gave up just one earned run. That didn't come until the sixth inning.
As for Yesavage, he's only allowed one earned run across two starts since returning from injury, compiling an impressive 0.96 ERA.
The Los Angeles Angels have scored in the first just once in their last four contests, and the Jays also have just one run in the first across their previous four games, too. The series opener ended 2-0 for the Jays, with both runs coming in the third.
- Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Sportsnet, ABTV
Cardinals at Padres: NRFI (-111)
The San Diego Padres have been underwhelming offensively this season, and it's often taken them a while to even score any runs.
They've scored just three times in the first in 27 games against right-handed starters, and Dustin May takes the bump for the St. Louis Cardinals here. While he has gotten in some trouble in the first as of late, the Padres have scored in the first just once in their last four contests.
The Cardinals also haven't scored in the opening frame in five straight games, and Randy Vasquez has only allowed runs in the first once this season in seven starts. He typically comes out and finds a rhythm early, and Vasquez owns a 3.20 ERA overall.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Twins at Guardians: YRFI (+100)
The Cleveland Guardians are rolling right now offensively.
They're in the middle of a three-game winning streak, and Cleveland put up a four-spot in the first on Friday. They also scored three runs in the finale against the Royals on Thursday evening.
The Guards face Minnesota Twins righty Joe Ryan here, and he has a 4.64 ERA on the road compared to 2.60 at home.
Minny isn't scoring in the first inning very much lately. I truly like this pick for the Cleveland angle, as this entire lineup is swinging the bats extremely well.
While Ryan is typically solid, the Guardians could very well jump on him early and put some runs on the board. The likes of Jose Ramirez, Bryan Rocchio, and Steven Kwan have had success against him.
- Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Twins.TV, CLEGuardians.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 3-6, -1.07 units
What is a NRFI bet?
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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