MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (6/26)

We only have six games to choose from with a thin Monday slate on tap today. The headliner is a matchup of exciting young teams, with the Baltimore Orioles facing the Cincinnati Reds. The Orioles are adding to the excitement and hype around the series by calling up top prospect Jordan Westburg, who will make his MLB debut today. Let’s dive into the slate to find our favorite games on the board.

Season to Date 23-22

Monday's Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Cincinnati Reds at Baltimore Orioles – 7:05 pm ET

As mentioned, this is probably one of the most highly anticipated series of the season. The two offenses have young and exciting players who we should see at All-Star Games for years to come. However, we are betting this one because it is plus money. Cole Irvin will get the ball first, and his full-season numbers are destroyed by his couple of early starts. He has been better since returning to the rotation a few weeks back. The Reds have been around the league average against left-handed pitching thus far, and the Orioles’ home park is extremely tough on right-handed hitters which should help Irvin. It should also help lefty Brandon Williamson. Baltimore has been strong against lefties with a 112 wRC+ and Williamson has not flashed a ton of upside in the majors, but we are betting mostly on the park and hoping that he can keep the ball in the yard in the first inning. Williamson has actually been at his worst the first time through an order, but with the park and the odds as such, this is a solid bet for us to make.

Pick: +115


Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels – 9:38 pm ET

Reid Detmers has had what some in the fantasy world have considered a disappointing season, but the numbers are actually pretty impressive. The lefty has a K% of 28.2 and while the walks are a bit elevated, his FIP comes in at an elite 3.27. A high BABIP is clouding an otherwise great profile. He is excellent at the beginning of games, with a 0.241 wOBA allowed the first time through the order. Today, he gets to face a White Sox offense that is bottom-ten in baseball versus southpaws. Detmers should be able to keep a clean first inning and then pass the ball along to Dylan Cease. Cease has been similarly disappointing, but it’s looking more like his 2022 season will end up being his career outlier. There are tons of Ks, but also too many walks and when the BABIP isn’t suppressed, it leads to an elevated ERA. However, his skills are well suited for a NRFI bet as we are hoping that he is able to keep the ball bouncing in his favor. He has also been excellent the first time through the order with a 0.259 wOBA allowed, and while he is facing a much more powerful offense, he should be able to hold them down as well.

Pick: -115

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:


Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app