The Los Angeles Angels have a bottom 10 offense but they score a run in the first inning at the highest rate in the majors.
That's why my MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the opening frame of their clash against the A's tonight.
Here are my best YRFI and NRFI bets for Tuesday, May 20.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Run in the first inning – NO
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Run in the first inning – YES
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Run in the first inning – YES
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NRFI/YRFI bets for May 20
Brewers at Orioles: NRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The Milwaukee Brewers plate a run in the first inning at the second-lowest rate (20.8%) in the majors and rank 27th in OPS (.654).
That OPS drops to just .612 against lefties and the Baltimore Orioles will use southpaw Keegan Akin as an opener tonight. Akin has a 3.31 ERA with an OBA of .197 in 100 2/3 innings since the start of last year so he should get the job done in the first inning.
Meanwhile, the O's have an OPS of just .635 on the road and will struggle against rookie Logan Henderson, who has a 2.45 ERA with an xERA of 2.84 through two starts. When you also factor in the 19 mph breeze blowing toward the infield tonight, don't expect much offense early.
Rangers at Yankees: YRFI (Play at ProphetX)
The New York Yankees are tied for first in the majors in OPS (.822) and that number ramps up to .869 against southpaws. They also plate a run in the first inning in 37% of their games — the sixth-highest mark.
Texas Rangers lefty Patrick Corbin has been surprisingly productive this year, pitching to a 3.35 ERA across seven starts. That said, his xERA is significantly worse at 4.23 and his 5.71 ERA over the last four years has me expecting major regression.
I also have low expectations for Yankees starter Will Warren. The sophomore has a 4.61 ERA through nine starts and sits in the bottom 20th percentile in barrel rate, exit velocity, and hard-hit rate.
Angels at A's: YRFI (-125 at ProphetX)
The Los Angeles Angels have a weak lineup but they plate a run in the first inning at the highest rate in the majors at 41.3%.
The Halos have an OPS of .807 over the last week and face A's rookie Gunnar Hoglund today. Hoglund is in the bottom 20th percentile in expected ERA (4.96) and expected batting average (.284) through three MLB starts.
Meanwhile, the A's are 11th in the majors in both OPS (.724) and first-inning run percentage (31.3%). They should get on the board early against struggling veteran Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks has a 5.27 ERA through eight starts while pitching to a 7.88 ERA 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.
Not intended for use in MA.
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