The Houston Astros have scored in the first inning at the lowest rate in the majors. With the 'Stros sending ace Hunter Brown to the hill against the Athletics tonight, my MLB picks are counting on that matchup to be scoreless after the first frame.
Check out my other best NRFI bets and YRFI bets for Tuesday, May 27.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Run in the first inning – YES
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Run in the first inning – YES
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Run in the first inning – NO
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NRFI/YRFI bets for May 27
Dodgers at Guardians: YRFI (-112 at ProphetX)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are second in the majors in OPS (.800). The top of their lineup is scary and has led to them plating a run in the first inning at the highest rate in baseball (38.9%).
They should get on the board early tonight against Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee. Bibee has a 3.57 ERA through 10 starts but his FIP is significantly worse at 5.09. He logged a 4.50 ERA while allowing an OPS of 1.017 in the opening frame.
The Dodgers respond with Dustin May, who has an expected ERA of 4.50 and an expected batting average of .271 through nine starts. May has been shredded in the first inning where he has pitched to a 9.00 ERA.
Cardinals at Orioles: YRFI (-105 at ProphetX)
The Baltimore Orioles have underperformed at the dish this year, due in large part to their issues striking out. However, they've been crushing the ball when they make contact, ranking fourth in the majors in hard-hit rate and exit velocity.
They should be able to make contact today against St. Louis Cardinals righty Andre Pallante, who's in the Bottom 10th percentile in strikeout rate. Pallante has an xERA of 4.68 through 10 starts, and he's in the Bottom 20th percentile in xBA (.289) and hard-hit rate (46.2%).
The O's respond with Tomoyuki Sugano, who has been inconsistent in his first year in the bigs. Sugano has an xERA of 4.32 and sits in the Bottom 25th percentile in xBA (.270). The Cards lead the majors in BA (.267) against righties, while ranking sixth in OPS (.746).
Athletics at Astros: NRFI (-130 at ProphetX)
The Houston Astros have scored in the first inning in just 17% of their games. Not only is that the worst rate in the majors, it's a whopping 5.2% lower than the second-worse Mets. The Stros bat .228 against lefties and will face Athletics southpaw J.P. Sears tonight.
Sears has struggled at home (5.68 ERA) but he's been solid on the road where he has a 3.09 ERA through 35 innings. He's also been sharp in the first inning where he yet to allow a run this year while logging an OBA of .118.
Meanwhile, Houston will send ace Hunter Brown to the hill. The fireballer has a 2.04 ERA with an xERA of 2.92 through 10 starts.
❓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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