OddsShopper got back on track with No Run First Inning and Yes Run First Inning (NRFI/YRFI) bets, going 2-1 today and hitting on our Twitter plays as well. Now we’re keeping it going by exploring the markets and finding the best NRFI picks today on DraftKings for Friday, June 2. One of the top NRFI plays tonight comes from a killer pitching matchup (at least on paper) between Luis Severino and Clayton Kershaw — but could this battle of aces actually be a trap spot for YRFI to sneak in? Let’s dig in.
Best YRFI/NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Bets
Baltimore Orioles at San Francisco Giants YRFI (-105)
In the last game of the night, the Baltimore Orioles visit San Francisco, and Dean Kremer takes the mound for the Orioles. The Orioles are on the West Coast for a night game, which already puts them at a disadvantage due to the time zone difference. Kremer has had mediocre performances at best and does not inspire much confidence. He does have a decent walk rate, but Kremer is prone to getting hit hard. This makes the first inning a favorable opportunity for the Giants’ patient hitters to challenge Kremer. With the Orioles’ ability to put together hits and get runners on base, there is strong potential for a run to be scored in the first inning.
Oakland Athletics at Miami Marlins NRFI (-120)
Edward Cabrera is a hard-throwing pitcher for the Marlins. Although Cabrera has an alarmingly high walk rate, do not discount his overall effectiveness. His opponent batting average is a lowly .222, indicating that he can handle hitters with his pitching prowess. Additionally, Cabrera boasts a strikeout rate of 28%, suggesting his ability to escape trouble by generating swings and misses. The Athletics have struggled offensively, and their lineup does not pose a significant threat. The main concern in this game lies with Oakland pitcher Hogan Harris, whose performance may determine the outcome of the first inning. However, with Cabrera’s ability to strike out batters, there is a good chance of the first inning going scoreless.
New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers NRFI (-115)
This is a compelling matchup between Luis Severino of the Yankees and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. Severino is still working on finding his full form, but he is a talented pitcher who has the potential to be effective once he is fully stretched out. On the other side, Kershaw is known for his consistency and ability to handle formidable lineups. Facing a Yankees team with offensive firepower, Kershaw provides the Dodgers with a solid chance of keeping the first inning scoreless. Severino’s main objective will be to find his rhythm, making it more likely that he focuses on pitching efficiently rather than trying to strike out batters. This sets the stage for a low-scoring first inning. Given the quality of the pitchers involved and the potential for a slow start, bet no run first inning here.
