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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Sunday (4/16)

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Sunday's MLB slate is a full one, offering 15 games across the league. Action gets underway just after 1:00 p.m. ET as the Giants take on the Tigers. Everything leads up to a Sunday Night Baseball battle between the Rangers and the Astros at 7:10.

There are a ton of different ways to bet on today’s board, but I'm narrowing in on a trio of No Runs First Inning (NRFI) plays. Let's dive deeper into the three games that I have an interest in. 

MLB YTD: 17-16 (+18.73 Units)

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

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees 

The rotation rolls over for the Yankees and they'll turn to Gerrit Cole to help try and salvage a series split against the Twins. Minnesota opts for Pablo Lopez in this American League clash scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET from Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY. 

Lopez has been fabulous in his debut season with the Twins, entering at 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 0.65 WHIP over three starts. Most recently, the right-hander threw 7.2 innings against the White Sox and held them to just two earned runs on three hits and a walk. He racked up 10 strikeouts in the no-decision effort.

Cole has been equally as dominant during the 2023 campaign, sitting at 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 19.1 innings of work. The righty posted his third consecutive quality start in his last outing against the Guardians, limiting them to two earned runs over 7.0 innings. 

At this point, it's hard to bet against either of these guys - so I won’t! NRFI has to be the play in the Bronx this afternoon. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-145)

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins 

The Marlins are up 2-0 in the series against the Diamondbacks and they've outscored the visitors 8-3 over the first two games of the series. Miami will go with Sandy Alcantara in the series finale while Arizona counters with Zac Gallen. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from LoanDepot Park in Miami, FL. 

The reigning Cy Young Award winner Alcantara isn't off to a great start this season, entering at 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over three starts. This will be a great opportunity for the right-hander to bounce back against a team he's owned throughout his career. Alcantara has limited the Snakes to a .204/.278/.408 slash line over 49 at-bats. 

Gallen will oppose the fierce righty, but luckily he's found a similar amount of success against the Fish. Over 45 at-bats, Gallen has limited the Marlins to a .133/.152/.222 slash line. He's also looking to build off of a fantastic outing against the Brewers last time out. The right-hander held the Crew scoreless over 7.0 innings and allowed just four baserunners while striking out 11 hitters. Look for a third consecutive low-scoring game in Miami today. Let's lock in NRFI in the 305. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-160)

Atlanta Braves vs. Kansas City Royals 

The Braves are taking care of business so far in their series with the Royals and they'll go for the sweep this afternoon when they send Kyle Wright to the bump. Kansas City will turn to veteran Zack Greinke in this interleague matchup scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. 

Wright's set to make just his second start of the year today after giving up four earned runs over 3.0 innings against Reds Tuesday. This is a nice spot for him to bounce back against a Royals side that's 29th in both team batting average (.211) and OPS (.617). 

Greinke, on the other hand, is 0-3 out of the gate with Kansas City but owns a respectable 3.31 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He's thrown a bunch against the Braves in his career, holding them to a .220/.243/.420 slash line over 100 at-bats. Most importantly, the big boppers of Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley are a combined 4-33 (.121) against the righty. I think it's worth a shot with the coin-flip odds to say this one remains scoreless after one inning. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-110)

Here are our other picks and best bets for Sunday:


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