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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (4/6)

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The MLB returns on Sunday with a packed 16-game slate, including an extra game thanks to yesterday’s rainout between the Cardinals and Red Sox. I'm looking for some quick-hitting bets this afternoon, so I've narrowed in on three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) plays. Here are my favorite NRFI bets today. 

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Sunday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Los Angeles Dodgers (-142) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (+120) | O/U 7.5 (-102/-118) 

The MLB action gets underway with a heavyweight rubber match between the Dodgers (9-1) and the Phillies (6-2). Tyler Glasnow will toe the rubber for Los Angeles, while Philadelphia counters with Cristopher Sanchez. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. 

While there's a ton of offensive firepower in this game, I believe it'll be the pitching that ultimately wins the day. Sanchez is developing into a bonafide top-of-the-rotation starter, and he enters this contest with a 1.69 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. The left-hander draws a matchup against a Dodgers squad that's just 24th in first-inning runs per game (0.30). They're 5-5 (50%) to the NRFI on the year.

As for the bottom half of the frame, it'll be up to Glasnow to get us back to the window to cash our ticket. The right-hander blanked the Braves over 5.0 innings in his season debut, allowing only two hits while striking out eight batters. Philadelphia's top three hitters of Kyle Schwarber (2-for-11, 2B), Trea Turner (2-for-11, 2B), and Bryce Harper (2-for-9, 2B & 3B) are a combined 6-for-31 (.194) against Glasnow. Philadelphia's the second-best NRFI team in the MLB this season (6-2), and I like for the prop bet to cash again in this spot. 

Pick: NRFI (-130)

Toronto Blue Jays (+114) vs. New York Mets (-135) | O/U 7.5 (-108/-112) 

The Mets (5-3) are looking to complete the sweep over the Blue Jays (5-4) this afternoon, and they'll turn to David Peterson to try and get them there. Toronto opts for Bowden Francis in this interleague clash, which gets underway at 1:40 p.m. ET from Citi Field in Queens, NY. 

The NRFI hit in yesterday's contest between these squads, and I'll run it back to cash for a second straight day. A lot of these prop bets come down to the head-to-head numbers, and that's the case here. Peterson (3.00 ERA) has owned the Jays in the past, limiting their current lineup to a slash line of .200/.259/.320 over 25 at-bats. Specifically, Bo Bichette (0-for-3), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (0-for-4), and Anthony Santander (1-for-6) are a combined 1-for-13 (.077) against Peterson. 

On the other hand, New York's current roster is slashing just .118/.211/.294 against Francis over 17 at-bats. Francisco Lindor (1-for-4) has taken Francis yard in the past, and Juan Soto (1-for-2) has a single, but those are the only hits that the budding right-hander has conceded to this lineup in the past. The Mets are just 19th in first-inning runs per game (0.38), 21st in wOBA (.277), and 17th in overall scoring (3.88 RPG). I'll lay the juice and wager on the NRFI. 

Pick: NRFI (-130)

Seattle Mariners (+105) vs. San Francisco Giants (-125) | O/U 7.5 (-108/-112) 

The Mariners (3-6) are also on #SweepWatch, and they're trying to take down a Giants (7-1) team that's won its last six games. This pitching matchup features a battle between Bryan Woo and Jordan Hicks. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET from Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. 

Anytime that I get the chance to fade Seattle's offense, I'm going to take it. This lineup is brutal, ranking 26th in scoring (3.11) and dead last in first-inning runs per game (0.11). Now they'll have to deal with Hicks (0.00 ERA), who just mowed down the Astros with 6.0 scoreless innings in his season debut. Seattle is the fourth-best NRFI team (6-3) this season, while San Francisco is right behind them in seventh (5-3). 

Woo (1.50 ERA), on the other hand, has been a force in recent seasons. The 25-year-old shined in his season debut, holding the Athletics to one earned run over 6.0 innings. San Francisco's current lineup is just 4-for-27 (.148) against Woo with a .475 OPS. Their only top-of-the-lineup hitters with a head-to-head history are LaMonte Wade Jr. (1-for-6, 2B) and Matt Chapman (0-for-6), who are a combined 1-for-12 (.083) against him. Runs should be at a premium in this game - give me the NRFI.

Pick: NRFI (-140)

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