As Staind so eloquently sang it, “It’s been a while.” Ah, yes, it’s been a while since we’ve had some no run first inning bets to sweat, but we’re back in the saddle! For a minute, I started looking like Tyrone Biggums scratching my neck asking, “y’all got anymore of them NRFI picks?” Our narcotic is back, and we’re injecting it into our veins with Rangers-Astros Game 1 of the ALCS. And, oh, buddy, you know we have picks.
Obviously, there will be no parlay, with only one game on the docket, but I might have a second play from this game for you. If I do decide to fire up that bet, I’ll post it on Twitter, so make sure you’re following me.
Oh, and, uh, if you want some useless knowledge, that song somehow won an MTV Music Award for Best Rock Video in 2001. How you ask? No clue.
Best YRFI & NRFI Bets Today: Yes & No Run First Inning Bets
Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros First Inning Bet
We knew the Astros were going to open the ALCS with Justin Verlander, but I was really hoping to see one name in Game 1 for the Rangers. That name? Jordan Montgomery. They obliged.
Let’s kick it off with the away team. Texas will bring its high-octane offense into the first inning against Verlander, who is 17-11 on NRFIs this season. But, Verlander’s worst inning in EVERY category? The first. Our dusty pal has given up 20 runs in 28 first-inning chances, as well as 29 hits, 13 walks and NINE homers.
Only two teams walked more than the Rangers in 2023, and only the Dodgers and Braves hit more homers than Texas. You see what I’m hinting at here, yeah? On top of that, Verlander’s biggest problem in the Rangers’ lineup is leadoff hitter Marcus Semien, who owns a .326 average (14-for-43) with a double, triple and 2 home runs. Follow it up with Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia and their propensity for the long ball and I am LOVING our chances.
Now, let’s say ol’ Dusty Justy, by hook or by crook, gets out of the first unscathed. It’s great to have a fallback option that ranks as the third-best first-inning offense in baseball. In 4 games of the ALDS against the Twins, the Astros scored in the first inning twice, and also allowed a run in the games they didn’t plate one (so they’re batting .1000% on YRFIs).
One thing we do know about Houston’s offense, is it smashes left-handed pitching to the tune of a .270 average and .809 OPS. The Astros hit the fourth-most home runs against lefties this season (68), behind only the Braves, Dodgers and Phillies. Montgomery had a great stretch to end the regular season and looked sharp against the Rays in the Wild Card round.
However, our guy is still due some regression, even after getting smacked around by Baltimore in the division series. With Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and the superhuman Yordan Alvarez to start it off for Houston, it seems ripe for offense in this matchup.
It was always the YRFI.
Best YRFI Bet Today: Rangers-Astros for -115 at BetMGM Sportsbook
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