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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Sunday (5/7)

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The MLB offers up a full 15-game slate today and action gets underway at 11:35 a.m. ET with a rubber match between the Orioles and Braves. Everything leads up to an intriguing Sunday Night Baseball matchup as the Dodgers take on the Padres at 7:10. There are a plethora of different ways to bet today’s board, but I’ve narrowed in on these three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wagers. 

MLB YTD: 26-35 (+12.83 Units)

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

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Baltimore Orioles vs. Atlanta Braves 

Atlanta bounced back with a 5-4 win last night, allowing them an opportunity to win their series against Baltimore this morning. First pitch for the series finale is set for 11:35 a.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. 

This interleague showdown features a pitching matchup between Tyler Wells for the Orioles and Bryce Elder for the Braves. Wells has been a serviceable option for the O’s this season, posting a 2-1 record to go along with a 3.34 ERA and 0.77 WHIP. He’ll have a tall task against one of the best offenses in the league, but I think he’s more than capable of keeping a clean first frame. 

On the other hand, Elder has been electric to start the 2023 campaign. The right-hander is a perfect 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Most recently, he faced the Marlins and threw 7.0 scoreless innings en route to a 6-0 victory. Interestingly, it was his fourth quality start where he’s blanked the opposition this season. This is a great spot to lock in a NRFI with minimal juice. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-105)

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians 

The Guardians secured a 4-3 win over the Twins last night, knotting up their divisional series at one game apiece. Cleveland will attempt to pick up another game in the A.L. Central this afternoon when they turn to Cal Quantrill. Minnesota counters with Joe Ryan in this matinee matchup scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. 

Ryan’s off to a fantastic start in 2023 as he’s 5-0 with a 2.37 ERA and 0.76 WHIP. He’s quickly developing into a top-end starter for the Twins. Over his last two starts, the opposition has only managed to score one earned run over 13.0 total innings pitched. As for his head-to-head numbers against Cleveland, they’re slashing just .226/.262/.387 over 62 at-bats. 

Quantrill continues to maintain his status as a middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Guardians. He’s 1-2 with a 4.73 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 32.1 innings pitched this season. Most recently, the right-hander limited the Yankees to two earned runs on six hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. In terms of this specific matchup, Minnesota is slashing .284/.348/.471 against him over 102 at-bats. However, the top four of Byron Buxton, Jorge Polanco, Carlos Correa, and Donovan Solano are a combined 4-30 (.133). Let’s lock in the NRFI in this one. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-115)

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays 

The Yankees were able to snag a 3-2 win yesterday, evening up their series with the Rays at one game apiece. They’ll look to win the series this afternoon as Gerrit Cole heads to the bump. Tampa Bay opts for Javy Guerra in this A.L. East clash scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. 

Cole has been exceptional this season, posting a perfect 5-0 record, a 1.35 ERA, and a 0.90 WHIP over seven starts. Six of those starts have been of the quality variety, including his most recent outing against the Guardians. The right-hander held Cleveland to just two earned runs over 6.0 innings in a 4-2 win. Tampa Bay has faced Cole in 170 at-bats, and they’re slashing just .218/.269/.276 with only six extra-base hits. 

As for Javy Guerra, he just came over from Milwaukee after making eight relief appearances with his former club. Over those eight outings, the right-hander amassed an 8.64 ERA and 2.28 WHIP over 8.1 innings pitched. However, in two outings with the Rays, he owns a 0.00 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 1.2 innings of work. How many times have we seen the Rays’ pitching coaches be able to turn pitchers’ careers around? I feel like Guerra will be fixed in no time and develop into another lethal option for Tampa Bay. Anyway, let’s ride with Guerra to post a scoreless first inning today. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-135)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Sunday:

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