We are back with some YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) for Monday, April 29.
So, if you want instant MLB action, follow along with our picks:
Pick 1: Nationals vs Marlins No Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
This game is quite literally a superstorm of NRFI likelihood. The Nationals rank third in baseball with a 17-10 NRFI record (63%), while the Marlins are tied for fourth at 18-11 (62%). It's low-scoring heaven, and that's where we're headed with this pick'em odds bet.
The starting pitching matchup also points to an easy zero in the first. Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers hasn't been great this season (4.10 ERA), but he's much smoother in the first inning, where he owns a 1.80 ERA.
Jake Irvin goes for Washington, and his season mirrors Rogers' numbers. Like Rogers, Irvin owns a shaky 4.55 ERA, while his first-inning ERA is also 1.80. How convenient?
Weak offense plus solid pitching equals a good ol' donut in the first inning.
Pick 2: Rays vs Brewers Yes Run First Inning (-110)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:40 pm ET
A few factors suggest a run will be scored in the first inning of Monday's Rays-Brewers showdown. We begin with something intangible. Tampa Bay just got schooled by the White Sox, baseball's worst club and that ought to prompt some revenge in the Rays lineup. No good team likes getting swept by a terrible team.
While the Brewers (56% YRFI) and Rays (52% YRFI) instill first-inning confidence on their own, Tampa starter Ryan Pepiot is the key. Despite a cool 3.77 ERA and solid WHIP, the right-hander is a disaster in the first inning. He owns a 7.20 ERA in the first frame in five starts this year.
It'll be hard for Pepiot to squeak past Milwaukee's hot lineup featuring William Contreras and Christian Yelich without allowing a run.
