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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Sunday (4/23)

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Another thrilling week of Major League Baseball concludes Sunday as all 30 teams hit the diamond to wrap up their respective series. All action on today’s 15-game slate leads up to a Sunday Night Baseball showdown between the Mets and Giants.

Until then I have this trio of No Runs First Inning (NRFI) plays to hold us over until the big game. Let’s check out my three favorite bets of the day. 

MLB YTD: 21-19 (+18.79 Units)

Sunday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves

The Astros will go for the sweep Sunday when they take on the Braves in a 2021 World Series rematch. Houston will turn to Cristian Javier while Atlanta counters with Max Fried in this interleague clash scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. 

Javier comes into the series finales at 2-0 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over four starts this year. Most recently, the right-hander threw 5.0 innings against the Blue Jays and limited them to just one earned run on three hits and two walks. He struck out five batters in the winning effort. As for the head-to-head matchups with the Braves, they’re slashing just .208/.240/.521 against him over 48 at-bats. That includes the trio of Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson sitting at a combined 2-26 (.077).

Fried, on the other hand, has also found success against the Astros, where they’re hitting just .182 over 22 at-bats with no extra-base hits. The southpaw has been excellent in two starts this year, sitting at 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Look for this game to be scoreless after the first frame. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-125)

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs will attempt to salvage a series split this afternoon when they send Marcus Stroman to the bump. Meanwhile, the Dodgers go for their second straight win when they opt for Clayton Kershaw. This National League showdown is slated for 2:20 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. 

Kershaw has been sharp this season, posting three quality starts over four outings. Most recently, the southpaw dominated the Mets, tossing 7.0 scoreless innings and giving up just three hits. He earned his third win of the year and currently owns a 2.52 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Furthermore, Kershaw has decent numbers against Chicago as they’re slashing .290/.304/.430 against him over 100 at-bats. 

Chicago’s Stroman has been electric this season, recording four consecutive quality starts to begin the year. Those outings have earned him a 2-1 record to go along with a 0.75 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. The right-hander has excelled against the Dodgers, holding them to a .207/.281/.264 slash line over 87 at-bats. Considering these starters are both in great form, I’m riding with NRFI on the north side. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-145)

San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

In a similar position as the Cubs, the Diamondbacks will go for the series split this afternoon. Rookie Drey Jameson gets the nod and he’ll be opposed by the Padres’ Yu Darvish. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.

Darvish is winless this year at 0-2, but he brings in a 3.44 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over three starts. The veteran right-hander took a loss to the Brewers last time out; however, it was hardly his fault. He lasted 7.0 innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits and two walks. Darvish amassed a season-high 12 punchouts in the 1-0 defeat. 

Young right-hander Drey Jameson will take the ball for the Snakes, making his sixth appearance (third start) of the year. He enters this one at 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He’s been a serviceable option against the Friars in his career, holding them to a .125/.160/.292 slash line over 24 at-bats. Look for Jameson to hold this slow-starting San Diego offense scoreless in the 1st. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-110)

Check out our other best bets for Sunday:


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