It is a tricky thing identifying the best value for a scoreless first inning, especially as the sport gets deeper into the season. Sometimes it is an ace making a minor mistake that is launched over the right-center wall, other times it is a team like the Royals last night coming out of nowhere to ruin a ticket. It is a long season and the numbers are still up, but that was maddening to see Kansas City plate three runs in the opener. On to Tuesday! Here are the three best NRFI and YRFI bets across a busy day on the diamond.
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Best YRFI and NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Bets
Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets YRFI (-110, BetMGM)
Two teams at the bottom of their respective divisions square off in Queens in a lackluster pitching matchup. David Peterson is going to have to lean hard on that 24.1% strikeout rate, and even that may not be enough to punch out the side. The Pirates will jump on Peterson, as he is not great anywhere else outside of a strikeout percentage. It will not be hard to take advantage of an early mistake by Peterson. The other side should also see a run produced, as Bailey Falter does not have much working for him either. It is actually worse than Peterson — at least he has a serviceable strikeout rate, whereas Falter struggles everywhere outside of a limited walk rate. Be it Falter or Pederson, even these lowly offenses can jump on this poor pitching. Do not be surprised to see this ticket cash with an early solo shot or one pitcher loading the bases; either way, it is a YRFI play here.
New York Yankees at Atlanta Braves NRFI (+115, BetMGM)
The Braves keep rolling — steamrolling, to be exact. Both teams crossed the plate in yesterday’s first inning, but do not expect that to carry over into tonight. The Yankees saw Clarke Schmidt blasted and Max Fried had been shaky at home coming into that start. The biggest ask today is once again on the Yankees side, as Luis Severino takes the mound in Atlanta. The Braves counter with Bryce Elder, and neither has seriously strong numbers to boast. The Yankees are still going to have to work to get on the basepath early in this game, as Elder will make it difficult by throwing a heavy mix of sliders and sinkers. The Braves offense is a monster, but even walking Ronald Acuna Jr. has not proven to be a death sentence in giving up an early run. Expect Severino’s fastball to be landing and the Braves to strike out once, maybe twice in the first inning.
Seattle Mariners at Kansas City Royals NRFI (-110, BetMGM)
Let’s go back to Kansas City for the same play with the same teams that burned a ticket in last night’s game. Thanks to OddsShopper (70% off your first month!), this bet sits at +108 at the time of writing this column. The value comes backing Mariners rookie Emerson Hancock in just his second start — despite it being on the road — against a favorable Royals matchup. Hancock has the benefit of not seeing this team before and this team being absolutely brutal right now. Jordan Lyles is going to ensure this bet or be the reason it busts. There is no way around the 6.13 ERA, but he is limiting walks and hard contact. Seattle comes in a little slow after losing three straight, so expect them to need an inning or two before any floodgates open.
