If you're craving a baseball betting bonanza, YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) are the way to go. It's been my favorite MLB market this year by far, and we've got two more picks today.
Here are my two Y/NRFI bets for Tuesday, May 7:
Pick 1: Blue Jays vs Phillies: Yes Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:40 pm ET
I profiled this contest in my Tuesday same-game parlay, and while I believe this matchup goes UNDER 8.5 runs, I'm also counting on a first-inning run.
We can start with the pitching profiles. Jays starter Jose Berrios has seen his seven starts go 4-3 YRFI. Phillies righty Cristopher Sanchez is 4-2 YRFI. So far so good. But that's not even the most damning evidence supporting this bet.
Lately, Berrios has had a big problem with walks and homers. He's posted a 5.39 FIP over his last two starts, suggesting the Phils (a big walk and homer team) can take advantage. On top of that, Philadelphia owns a 1.036 OPS in the first inning this season, the best mark in the majors. The Phils' .370 BA in the first inning is also a major-league best by a landslide.
There will be hits and runs in this first inning. Take advantage.
Pick 2: Orioles vs Nationals: No Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 6:45 pm ET
The Nats vs O's sounds like a one-sided slugfest, but that's not guaranteed, as far as our Y/NRFI bets are concerned. Firstly, the Nats are one of baseball's most consistent YRFI clubs with a 21-13 record (62%).
And the Orioles? What about their big-bopping offense loaded with young sluggers? Well, those fellas don't normally arrive until the second inning or later. While the Nats own a terrible .415 OPS in the first inning, the Orioles aren't much better (.677 OPS). Usually, clubs that struggle in the first inning stick to that trend. Bad hitting, like good hitting, is contagious, especially early in games.
Add in Corbin Burnes, the AL Cy Young chalk, against Trevor Williams (4-2 NRFI), and we've got a sturdy baseline for our no runs bet.
