We are back with some YRFI/NRFI picks (Yes/No Run First Inning) for Tuesday, April 23. And after drilling both MLB picks yesterday, we've got a pair of winners again today:
Pick 1: Athletics vs Yankees No Run First Inning (-115)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:05 pm ET
After another scoreless first Monday, the Yankees are now officially the best NRFI club in baseball (17-6). That sets the tone for what I anticipate will be another easy breezy first inning Tuesday.
The A's (12-11 NRFI) send Paul Blackburn to the hill Tuesday. Beyond owning a sparkling 1.08 ERA this year, the right-hander is flawless in the first inning. Blackburn has not allowed a first-inning run all season.
Add Marcus Stroman's sharpness to the mix, and we've got another good crack at a NRFI.
Pick 2: Astros vs Cubs Yes Run First Inning (-145)
Matchup Preview - Game Time: 7:40 pm ET
The Astros pitching staff has been terrible this season. The club has tons of starters on the injured list, but its replacements have fallen way short of the mark. Color JP France in that section. The right-hander owns a 7.08 ERA this year, and active Cubs hitters are 6-for-16 against him with a 1.319 OPS.
Houston's offense could also get us on the board. The Astros have scored nine times in the first inning this year, and their .884 first-inning OPS ranks fourth in baseball.
