MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/24)
There are nine regularly scheduled games today, with yesterday’s Dodgers/Guardians game also being continued.
Thursday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets
Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros
J.P. France might have an argument for Rookie of the Year in the AL with his sub-three ERA despite the ERA estimators not being as excited about his skill set. France has been solid the first time through the order this season with a 0.292 wOBA allowed. He is definitely not an elite arm by any means despite his immense success, but he throws strikes and limits homers, which are the main skills we want from a pitcher we are betting on as part of an NRFI. Brayan Bello has shown flashes of brilliance, and looks like he may be a few tweaks away from a true breakout season and an ascension to acedom. Despite his impressive stuff, the Ks just have not been there, but if that comes, he could be one of the best pitchers in the AL. For today, Bello has a 0.303 wOBA allowed for the first time through the order. If Yordan Alvarez misses this game again, it makes the first much easier to navigate for Bello as well, making this a great bet.
Pick: NRFI -110
Washington Nationals at New York Yankees
Michael King is getting a start for the Yankees, and it’s hard to project how he will do in the first inning, but the stuff and skillset are legit. He has been one of the better relievers on the Yankees for each of the last two years, and assuming they are only expecting one or two innings out of King, he should not need to limit his stuff. The top of the Nationals order is good, but King is talented enough to get past it. Patrick Corbin starts for the Nationals, and while he isn’t the same guy he was early in his career, he has been better this season than he was in recent years. The Yankees’ offense (minus Aaron Judge) has still been struggling a ton, and Corbin, as long as he avoids Judge, should be able to get through the first cleanly.
Pick: NRFI +100
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