YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) are the sharpest way to bet MLB these days. And today, April 16, we've got some winners for you:
Pick 1: Nationals vs Dodgers No Run First Inning (-105)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 10:10 pm ET
Washington is 13-3 NRFI this season, with only one first-inning score of their own during that span. That's the best mark in baseball. On top of that, Tuesday's starter Patrick Corbin has yet to allow a first-inning run in three starts.
Corbin has obvious deficiencies after that first frame, but he comes out of the gate nicely. He must be sharp early, as the Dodgers are 11-8 YRFI this year. Still, I'll back that chance on a plus-money bet, especially since the Nats are so automatic.
Pick 2: Rockies vs Phillies Yes Run First Inning (-105)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
We are hinging our bankroll to tonight's starting pitchers. Ranger Suarez is a good pitcher, just not in the first inning. The Phils' lefty has a 6.00 ERA in the first frame of games this season.
On the Rox side, Austin Gomber has a 12.00 ERA in the first inning, allowing four runs in three starts. That's normally enough to justify a bet, but Colorado is also the best YRFI (13-4) club in baseball, scoring eight first-inning runs and allowing its opponent to score 12 times in the first inning.
