One of the biggest MLB games tonight is between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in a battle for first place in the AL East.
With the Jays red-hot at the plate and the Yankees boasting one of the scariest lineups in the majors, my MLB picks are backing a run to be scored in the first inning. Check out the rest of my favorite YRFI and NRFI bets for Tuesday, July 22.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Tigers vs 
Pirates: NRFI
Athletics vs 
Rangers: NRFI
Yankees vs 
Blue Jays: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for July 22
Tigers at Pirates: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
Pittsburgh Pirates righty Mitch Keller has been dealing, posting a 1.96 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP over his last six starts. He's been getting off to strong starts all year, pitching to a 2.25 ERA with an OBA of .204 in the first two innings.
That said, don't expect much run support from a Buccos offense that's dead-last in the majors in OPS (.639) and runs per game (3.33).
That terrible lineup will face Detroit Tigers righty Casey Mize. Mize is coming off an ugly start against the Mariners just before the All-Star break, but he was pitching to a sparkling 2.63 ERA before that outing.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SportsNet-PIT | FDSN-Detroit
- Bet: NRFI
Athletics at Rangers: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Athletics have been solid at the dish this year, but solid won't cut it against Jacob deGrom. The two-time Cy Young winner looks fully recovered from the injuries that derailed his last few years. He has pitched to an incredible 2.03 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP over his last 16 starts.
Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers have struggled offensively at home, where they're dead-last in the majors in OPS (.642) and 28th in run first inning percentage (18.4%).
A's starter J.T. Ginn has been shaky in the majors, but he's been locked in at the beginning of games, posting a 1.13 ERA with an OBA of .206 in the first two innings.
- Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Rangers Sports Network | NBCS-California
- Bet: NRFI
Yankees at Blue Jays: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
Cam Schlittler makes his second career MLB start for the New York Yankees tonight. While he impressed with his velocity in his MLB debut earlier this month, he surrendered three runs and two homers in 5 1/3 innings.
Schlittler relies on a heater that averages 98 mph, but that elite velocity also means he will get hit hard by batters who can make contact. That's bad news on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays, who lead the majors in batting average (.274) and runs per game (5.74) over the last 30 days.
While the Jays are red-hot at the plate, their situation on the mound isn't great tonight with Max Scherzer (4.70 ERA through five starts) taking the ball. Scherzer is a shell of his former self and has pitched to a 7.20 ERA with an OBA of .350 in the opening frame.
He'll be in trouble against a scary Yankees lineup that leads the majors in OPS (.790) and ranks second in run first inning percentage (34%).
- Time: 7:07 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Sportsnet | YES
- 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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