YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) are one of MLB's most exciting bets these days.
We want to cheer our bets in that very first frame, so follow along for two YRFI/NRFI picks for April 5:
Pick 1: Orioles vs Pirates: No Run First Inning (-125)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 4:12 pm ET
Despite a solid offensive start to the year, the Buccos have yet to plate a run in the first inning of a contest. These slow starters will now face Grayson Rodriguez Friday, a young hurler who shined in his first start of the year.
On the other end, Baltimore has scored a first-inning run in just 33% of its games. There's always a chance the O's sock a solo homer in the first frame, but I'll lean on Pirates starter Jared Jones for help. The rookie was flawless in spring training and began his year with 5.2 IP, three earned runs, and 10 strikeouts.
Pick 2: Phillies vs Nationals: Yes Run First Inning (-120)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:45 pm ET
Here's a different tune for our second pick. While the Pirates have yet to score a first-inning run in 2024, the Nats are 5-0 YRFI, meaning they have scored or been scored on in every first inning this season.
And kids, it's like Christmas morning for offenses because — drumroll, please — Patrick Corbin is on the mound! The king of sting! The fanciest fade in all the land!
Corbin isn't as bad as he once was, but the Phils lineup mashes, even in lefty-on-lefty situations. A first-inning homer Friday would not shock me.
