The Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers meet in Game 2 of their doubleheader this afternoon, while the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Detroit Tigers.
Those two matchups will headline my best NRFI and YRFI predictions. Read more in my MLB picks for Saturday, July 11.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
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Brewers at Pirates Game 2: NRFI (-107)
For the second half of this doubleheader, we have two arms on the hill who rarely give up runs out of the gate.
Milwaukee Brewers lefty Shane Drohan owns a 7-1 NRFI record, and he's posted five straight scoreless first innings. He's also up against a Pittsburgh Pirates offense that's been held scoreless in the opening frame in two games in a row.
As for Bubba Chandler, he has a 13-4 NRFI record, and the big right-hander hasn't surrendered a run in the first inning in five consecutive appearances as well. The Brew Crew is hitting just .222 in the first, and they've failed to score a run in the opening frame in nine straight.
I'd play this pick up to -130.
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Brewers.TV
Phillies at Tigers: NRFI (-155)
The Philadelphia Phillies send their ace Cristopher Sanchez to the hill. The Cy Young candidate got tagged for nine earned runs last time out, but he owns a 14-5 NRFI record. It's rare for the lefty to get into trouble early, and the Detroit Tigers have failed to score in the first inning in back-to-back games.
Casey Mize, meanwhile, hasn't surrendered a single run in the opening frame this season across 13 starts. He'll be feeling confident about keeping that streak alive against a Phillies offense hitting just .252 in the first. They also haven't scored in the opening frame in four straight.
I'd play this pick up to -160.
- Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: DSN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Cubs at Reds: NRFI (+109)
The Chicago Cubs hand Javier Assad the ball tonight, who has an impressive 6-1 NRFI record this season. That includes five straight appearances without giving up a run in the first. He's not exactly facing an offense that thrives out of the gates, either. The Cincinnati Reds are batting .219 in the first, and haven't scored in the opening frame in five games.
As for lefty Nick Lodolo, he's up against a Cubbies offense batting only .230 in the first. Chicago hasn't put up a run in the first in four contests, either. Lodolo is in the midst of a six-start streak without giving up a first-inning run.
I'll confidently play this pick down to +100.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network, Reds.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 25-51, -6.91 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting 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 pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting 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 picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those 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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