The surging Astros have turned things around after a poor start to the year, and they get a mouth-watering matchup against a struggling starter on Saturday.
My MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the first inning of their nationally televised clash against the Cubs tonight. Check out the rest of my best NRFI bets for June 28 below.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
White Sox vs
Giants: NRFI
Marlins vs
Diamondbacks: YRFI
Cubs vs
Astros: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for June 28
White Sox at Giants: NRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
The Chicago White Sox are dead last in the majors in OPS (.638) while ranking 28th in runs per game (3.43). They won't find it easy to score today against San Francisco Giants southpaw Robbie Ray.
The 2021 AL Cy Young winner is putting together a stellar season with San Fran, posting a 2.83 ERA across 16 starts.
That said, the White Sox will have a pretty good starter of their own in Adrian Houser. Houser has a 2.27 ERA through six starts, and his xERA of 3.24 indicates he can sustain that solid play.
The Giants are 24th in the majors in OPS (.688), and trading for Rafael Devers hasn't done much to help.
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch:
White Sox - CHSNGiants - NBCS BA
- Bet: NRFI
Marlins at Diamondbacks: YRFI (-109 at ProphetX)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are third in the majors in OPS (.788) and second in run first inning percentage (35.8%). The Miami Marlins are awful at the plate but tend to hit better on the road, where they have a respectable OPS of .730.
Both teams also have struggling pitchers on the hill. Miami's Sandy Alcantara has a 6.69 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP through 15 starts, and Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt has a 5.69 ERA in 16 starts.
Pfaadt has been even worse in the first inning, where he's pitched to a 7.80 ERA with an OBA of .338.
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch:
D-backs - Dbacks.TVMarlins - FanDuel Sports Network Florida, WBFS-TV
- Bet: YRFI
Cubs at Astros: YRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The Chicago Cubs are fourth in the majors in OPS (.769), with that number ticking up to .789 on the road. The Houston Astros were ice cold at the dish to begin the year, but have turned things around. Over the last 30 days, they're eighth in the majors in batting average (.256).
They should be able to get to Cubs righty Colin Rea, who is in the Bottom 10th percentile in expected ERA (5.23) and expected batting average (.297). Rea has been brutal in the opening frame, where he has a 6.75 ERA with an OBA of .347.
Meanwhile, Lance McCullers Jr. will come off the IL to start for the 'Stros today. The former All-Star has seen his career derailed by injuries and has a 4.91 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP in seven starts this year.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: National - FOX
- 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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