My NRFI picks for today feature a surefire NRFI pick on the Nationals vs Orioles contest, as both starters in that game have impeccable first-inning stats. After that, it's a YRFI play in the Rockies-D-backs game because Arizona owns a 1.171 OPS in the first inning over the last two weeks.
NRFI Pick Today: Nationals vs Orioles (-115)
Nationals vs Orioles Odds -- Game Time 6:35 p.m. ET
I love both the Nats (75-45 NRFI) and the O's (67-53 NRFI) for their NRFI prowess, and Wednesday's pitching matchup also helps us out.
DJ Herz, Washington's young albino starter, is a bit of a NRFI whiz, rocking a lovely 9-2 NRFI record. While he got clocked for a YRFI last time around, the left-hander still owns a 1.64 ERA in 11 first innings this season. He has allowed just six hits in first innings, and Baltimore owns a .625 OPS vs LHPs in the first inning since July 31.
Meanwhile, Dean Kremer (14-2 NRFI) throws for the Orioles. He's about as good as Herz in the first, rocking a 2.25 ERA while holding opponents to a paltry .420 OPS. That bodes well for our NRFI bet today, as the Nats also bat just .231 in first innings this season.
YRFI Pick Today: Rockies vs D-Backs (-135)
Rockies vs D-backs Odds -- Game Time 3:40 p.m. ET
The books are on to us, as the YRFI in this Rox-D-backs game is chalked at -135. Even so, I'm cool with a bet on a run to score.
The D-backs are the key here. No club in baseball has been hotter over the last two weeks. Arizona owns a 1.171 OPS in the first inning since July 31 and has hit six homers (.711 SLG) during that span. The Snakes are chasing the Dodgers for the NL West lead with everything firing on all cylinders. They'll be helped by Rockies starter Tanner Gordon (2-3 YRFI), whose 6.15 season ERA doesn't instill much confidence.
Also, Jordan Montgomery starts for Arizona. He's been arguably the worst qualified starter in baseball this season, toting a 6.37 ERA and -1.3 bWAR into this contest. Opponents own an .803 OPS in the first inning against him, so if the D-backs don't break through, the Rox could always deliver.
