YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) are back in your life for some juicy MLB action this Monday. And today, April 22, we've got some winners for you:
Pick 1: Athletics vs Yankees No Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 1:05 pm ET
The Yanks are one of the better NRFI clubs in baseball (16-6), while the A's are split even at 11-11 NRFI. But the pitching matchup will swing this bet, I promise you.
Let's start with JP Sears. The unassuming left-hander is secretly a god in the first inning of games this season. Through four starts, Sears has yet to allow a run or a hit in the first inning.
On the other side, Carlos Rodon has allowed just one run in the first inning. These are pretty supportive metrics. And after crunching the numbers, I'll take no runs in the first inning for -115.
Pick 2: D-backs vs Cardinals No Run First Inning (-110)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:45 pm ET
The odds suggest a run in the first inning (-120) is more likely than not, but I disagree. Here's why.
Yes, the D-backs are among the best YRFI clubs in MLB (14-9). Arizona has scored a first-inning run in eight contests this season and allowed a run in six games. On the year, the Diamondbacks own a team OPS over 1.200 in the first inning. Crazy, right?
But here's the twist. Over the last seven days, Arizona isn't raking anymore. The club's first-inning OPS has dropped to .695. On top of that, Cardinals starter Lance Lynn has tons of success against active Diamondbacks hitters. The D-backs have slashed .218/.282/.396 against Lynn, while notable players, such as Joc Pederson (1-for-18), have struggled immensely against the veteran righty.
