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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Sunday (7/16)

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Between the Men’s Wimbledon Final and a full 15-game slate in the MLB, it’s another fantastic day to be a sports bettor. I’m taking it to the prop sheet for Sunday’s action on the diamond, where I’ve narrowed in on these three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) plays. Let’s close out the weekend with some winners!

MLB YTD: 64-112 (+2.60 units)

Sunday’s Best No Runs First Inning Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Chicago White Sox vs. Atlanta Braves

The White Sox (+260) pulled off a big upset yesterday to even their series with the Braves. The rubber match features a pitching matchup between Dylan Cease and Kolby Allard. This one gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. 

Considering we get a +105 payout if this bet cashes, I think it’s worth a shot to play the NRFI here. That’s solely based on the head-to-head statistics. Cease has limited the current Atlanta offense to a slash line of .190/.227/.476 over 21 at-bats. On the flip side, the left-handed Allard has held the White Sox to a .179/.207/.179 slash line over 28 at-bats. 

Of course, the Braves are the best offense in baseball in scoring in the 1st inning at 42.2%, but I think this is a great opportunity to fade them with a NRFI at +105. The White Sox have been a NRFI machine lately, going 8-1 in their last nine games. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (+105)

Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland Athletics

The Twins are going for the series sweep this afternoon and they’ll turn to Joe Ryan to get them there. Oakland counters with JP Sears in this American League clash scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET from the Coliseum in Oakland, CA. 

Ryan has been excellent this year and enters at 8-6 with a 3.70 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. His task today is taking on an Oakland side that’s dead last in both team batting average (.222) and OPS (.655). I think he’ll perform just fine against this lowly Athletics team. 

On the flip side, we have Sears taking the ball for the A’s. He’s just 1-6 on the season, but owns a respectable 3.97 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Furthermore, the Twins have been horrendous against left-handed pitching this year. When facing LHP, they’re 30th in the MLB in both team batting average (.223) and OPS (.666). I think there’s a great chance we keep a clean first frame in the Bay.

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-130)

Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners

Finally, let’s head out to Seattle where the Tigers are looking to complete the sweep over the Mariners. The series finale pits Reese Olson against Bryce Miller, which is an underrated pitching matchup in my opinion. First pitch is slated for 4:10 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Park in Washington. 

Let’s start with the best stat here, and that’s the head-to-head matchup from earlier this year. Back on May 13th, Miller faced the Tigers and blanked them over 7.0 innings of work, allowing just three hits. Furthermore, the right-hander has been great at home, where he owns a 3.27 ERA and opponents are hitting just .178 against him. 

As for Olson, he comes into this one at 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. In his last four appearances, the right-hander has allowed just three earned runs over 14.0 innings of work. 

Finally, it’s worth noting Detroit’s offense is the fifth-lowest in first-inning scoring at 24.4% while Seattle is 11th at 27.8%. The Mariners are 9-3 to the NRFI in their last 12 games. Let’s play the NRFI here. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-120)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday:


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