The surging New York Yankees begin a three-game set with the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers tonight. With both lineups filled with sluggers along a pair of struggling starters on the hill, my MLB picks expect a run to be scored in the first inning of their clash.
Here are my best NRFI bets for Tuesday, September 9.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Tigers vs 
Yankees: YRFI
Reds vs 
Padres: NRFI
Cardinals vs 
Mariners: NRFI
JOIN THRILLZZ - AMERICA'S SOCIAL SPORTSBOOK
Download Thrillzz, today using the code COVERS and get a 400% match on your first coins purchase — plus 60,000 free coins and $3 in free sweeps coins!
Learn more with our comprehensive Thrillzz review.
Available in all states excluding AL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, NV, OH, SC, and WA.
18+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NRFI/YRFI bets for September 9
Tigers at Yankees: YRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The New York Yankees have a stacked lineup that leads the majors in OPS (.784) and first-inning run percentage (37.1%). Today, they host the Detroit Tigers, who will send struggling right-hander Casey Mize to the mound.
Over the last two months, Mize has pitched to a 6.53 ERA with 1.55 WHIP across nine starts. The Yankees respond with sophomore Will Warren, who has also looked vulnerable on the hill.
Warren is in the Bottom 10th percentile in hard-hit rate and exit velocity while sitting in the Bottom 15th percentile in barrel rate. He has an expected ERA of 4.48 and will struggle navigating a Tigers lineup that ranks seventh in the majors in xwOBA (.438).
- Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: TBS
- Bet: YRFI
Reds at Padres: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Cincinnati Reds have an OPS of just .691 on the road while ranking 28th in first-inning run percentage (24.7%). They'll have a tough time getting going against Michael King, who the San Diego Padres just activated from the IL.
King has a 2.81 ERA with a .206 OBA this year. He's been dominant at the beginning of games, pitching to a 0.82 ERA with an OBA of .149 through the first two innings. King hasn't played in a month, so he'll be on a pitch count, but he should get through the first inning unscathed.
The Reds will give the pill to Zack Littell, who has logged a 3.81 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP through 28 starts. Littell has been excellent in the opening frame, posting a 2.89 ERA with an OBA of .208.
Another reason to like the NRFI bet is the 10 mph breeze blowing towards the infield at pitcher-friendly PETCO Park today.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLBN
- Bet: NRFI
Cardinals at Mariners: NRFI (Play at Thrillzz)
The Seattle Mariners have been crushing the ball on the road while struggling to generate runs at T-Mobile Park. They are 26th in the majors in OPS (.690) and 28th in first-inning run percentage (20.3%) at home.
Tonight, George Kirby, who has pitched to a 3.16 ERA with an OBA of .228 at home, takes the hill.
Kirby should deal against a St. Louis Cardinals lineup that is last in the majors in OPS (.650) and runs per game (3.75) since the All-Star break.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest | ROOTNW
- Bet: NRFI
❓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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
