MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Yankees vs. Guardians (Saturday)
The American League Championship Series (ALCS) has been widely entertaining with roller coasters in the past two games. Let’s do it again on Saturday night as the Cleveland Guardians host the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Yankees can clinch a spot in the World Series with a win while the Guardians try to extend the series. It all starts with the first inning as we take a deep dive into the NRFI (No Runs First Inning) market. Without further ado, here’s my favorite NRFI play for Yankees vs. Guardians on Saturday, October 19th. Note that odds may change before first pitch.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
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Saturday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(All odds courtesy FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians
Starting Pitchers: Carlos Rodon vs. Tanner Bibee
Saturday night’s ALCS Game 5 features a starting pitching matchup between Carlos Rodon of the New York Yankees against Tanner Bibee of the Cleveland Guardians. Both starters have pitched already in this series, which adds an interesting dynamic to the NRFI pick. Let’s dive in.
This will be Tanner Bibee’s second start for Cleveland this series. In Game 2 on Tuesday, it was a forgettable outing as he allowed three runs (two earned) across 1.1 innings. While Bibee did allow a run in the first inning in that game, we actually can expect a bounce-back effort this time around to hold the Yankees scoreless early on.
During the regular season, Bibee had a .207 batting average allowed in the first inning. He also had a 20-11 NRFI record in the regular season (64.5%), including a 7-3 mark over his final 10 starts. In the postseason so far, he’s thrown a scoreless first inning in two of his three starts. So, that’s a 9-4 NRFI mark over his past 13 outings overall.
The Guardians’ right-hander ended up throwing just 39 pitches in Game 2. He should have plenty in the tank to start this game. Facing the top of the New York lineup is always daunting, but Bibee ideally comes out with some added energy and adrenaline at home because of his short outing last time.
Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon hasn’t allowed a run in both of his postseason starts so far. He held the Guardians in check in Game 1 with six innings of one-run ball, posting nine strikeouts and zero walks. Admittedly, Rodon had an ugly 6.47 ERA in the first inning and a 20-12 NRFI record (62.5%) during the regular season. However, he’s held opponents scoreless in the opening frame in 11 of his past 15 starts, including the playoffs and stretching back to July. That also includes a 6-1 NRFI mark over his past seven outings.
Grab the NRFI to kick off this ALCS Game 5. Both Rodon and Bibee can set the table for an intense elimination game as we count on a scoreless first frame.
Bet: NRFI (-136)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday: