The Dodgers' star-studded lineup was ice-cold in July, but it's now August, and they should break out at home against Miles Mikolas.
That nationally-televised matchup in L.A. between the Cardinals and Dodgers headlines my favorite MLB picks for the first-inning run markets.
Check out the rest of my best NRFI bets and YRFI bets for August 5 below.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Athletics vs 
Nationals: YRFI
Royals vs 
Red Sox: NRFI
Cardinals vs 
Dodgers: YRFI
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NRFI/YRFI bets for August 5
Athletics at Nationals: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Athletics are seventh in the majors in OPS (.743), with that number surging to .805 over the last 15 days.
Today, they face Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore, who has a 3.80 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP through 22 starts. Gore has pitched to a 4.91 ERA with an OBA of .311 in the opening frame.
The Nats have struggled at the dish lately but they are ninth in the majors in run first inning percentage at home (32.7%). They have a favorable matchup against A's starter Luis Severino, who has a 4.83 ERA and sits in the bottom 15th percentile in xBA (.280).
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MASN 2 | NBCSCA
- Bet: YRFI
Royals at Red Sox: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Boston Red Sox are sending ace Garrett Crochet to the hill tonight. The southpaw is third in the majors in ERA (2.23) and strikeout rate (31%).
He should stifle a Kansas City Royals offense that is 25th in the majors in OPS (.687), with that number dropping to .662 against lefties.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bergert will make his Royals debut after being acquired at the trade deadline. The rookie had a 2.78 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings with the Padres.
He hasn't allowed a single run in the first inning across seven starts, holding opponents to a BA of just .045 in that frame.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NESN | FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City
- Bet: NRFI
Cardinals at Dodgers: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been underperforming at the plate over the last month. That said, they still have a stacked lineup and will be glad to be back home, where they boast an MLB-best .815 OPS with a run first inning rate of 38.6%.
They'll face St. Louis Cardinals righty Miles Mikolas, who has a 6.00 ERA with an OBA of .296 on the road. The veteran has been getting rocked early, posting a 6.43 ERA with an OBA of .337 in the first inning across 21 starts.
The Dodgers will send young righty Emmet Sheehan to the hill. He has struggled in his last three starts, surrendering 10 runs across 11 2/3 innings.
- Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLBN
- 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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