We're back with some YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning). You're crazy to wait a full game for MLB prop bets to hit. Instead, you're better off scrolling this page and locking in your Y/NRFI picks.
Here are my two Y/NRFI bets for Monday, May 27:
Pick 1: Red Sox vs Orioles No Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 1:05 pm ET
Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Cole Irvin effect. Irvin's been in the game a minute, and his successes and failures never cease to fascinate me. Not only has Irvin managed to be solid this year (3.15 ERA, 118 ERA+), but he's also an incredibly reliable NRFI catalyst.
When Irvin starts, the Orioles and their opponents are 7-0 NRFI. On the Sox's end, Cooper Criswell is 6-1 NRFI, with his last outing spoiling his perfect NRFI record. Boston has also been terrible in the first inning lately, batting just .178 with a .596 OPS over the last two weeks. Baltimore is marginally better, but its .222 BA is nothing to celebrate.
Starting pitchers are always the key to these bets. Right now, we've got an exploitable matchup.
Pick 2: Guardians vs Rockies: Yes Run First Inning (-130)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 4:10 pm ET
Whenever you see Colorado, you best be betting the YRFI. All year, the Rockies have been baseball's most reliable YRFI club, posting an MLB-best 32-20 record to this point. Colorado takes on Cleveland Monday, where runs are bound to show.
Let's talk about Austin Gomber. While the Rockies lefty has overachieved this year, he remains 5-5 YRFI. Whether he's allowing the runs or not, his starts are conducive to scoring. To add to it all, the Guardians are third in baseball with a .932 OPS vs lefties in the last 14 days. We're staring down a perfect storm for a cheeky YRFI bet.
