After a slightly hot stretch got us back over .500 on the season, we are once again splitting our No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks on most days. Today presents a new opportunity with 10 games on the board, with a couple starting at 2 p.m. ET today.
Let’s find our favorite NRFI bets for Monday, July 3.
2023 NRFI: 24-25
Monday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Pitching matchup: Drew Smyly vs. Julio Teheran
There is a surprisingly high number of games at plus or even money on the board for today, and this is one of them. The Cubs’ offense has been below average (90 wRC+) over the last 30 days and will face Julio Teheran, who has been quite a good find for the Brewers. His overall surface numbers have been excellent, and while the underlying skills are not as elite, we need a clean inning from him. He has been great the first time through the order with a 0.253 wOBA allowed.
The other side of this bet has Drew Smyly getting the ball. Smyly got off to a hot start and has been slowly regressing as the season continues. However, the Brewers have been downright dreadful against lefties. Their 78 wRC+ is only better than the Rockies. While Smyly isn’t the most exciting pitcher out there, he has a great matchup, which should help him get through the first inning clean.
Bet: NRFI (+100)
Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins
Pitching matchup: Austin Cox vs. Joe Ryan
While Joe Ryan has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, we are making this bet almost entirely due to the offenses that are facing off. In the last 30 days, the Royals have had the worst wRC+ in the league at 77. This fact, combined with the excellent season Ryan is having, makes his side of the bet fairly easy to hit. The Twins’ offense has also been well below average, with a wRC+ of only 87. Their offense has struggled to put up runs on a fairly regular basis.
Austin Cox is getting the ball for the Royals, making his second start. He has some issues with walks, but he has been able to limit the long ball so far. The other skills do not feel like they are well above average, but with the struggles of the Twins’ offense, we can make this bet with a fair bit of confidence.
Bet: NRFI (+100)
Check out our other best bets for Monday:
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- 2023 NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions
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