Just five games are on tap for Thursday across Major League Baseball. Still, that doesn’t mean there’s no action on this limited hardball slate. For those looking to place a few wagers, none are more enticing than a no run first inning bet (NRFI). Three outs from each pitcher are all you need to cash in- but that’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, is key to cashing in.
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays vs. Tigers NRFI (-115)
Entering this pivotal American League clash, both sides will send capable arms to the mound. For Detroit, it’ll be none other than Reese Olson, making his 12th start of the season. Since returning from a finger injury on July 4th, the right-hander has notched a 1.88 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. On Thursday, he’ll face a lineup that struggles on the road. When playing outside of Canada, the Jays are averaging the sixth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.85). During those away games, Toronto has recorded the league’s ninth-highest NRFI rate (75.0%).
Detroit enters tonight fresh off a three-game sweep this week against the last place Pirates. The team’s biggest issue is at the plate; they’ve scored baseball’s fifth-fewest runs since July 1st (67). Blue Jays hurler Eric Lauer will hope to keep that trend going on Thursday. Through 61.0 innings of work, the righty has recorded a 2.80 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 65 strikeouts. The Tigers have failed to score in the first during 13 of their last 15 contests. In comparison, Lauer has surrendered just one first inning run in nine starts this season. Toronto’s underrated rotation piece looks poised to start off strong on Thursday.
Padres vs. Cardinals NRFI (-120)
For a Padres team that needs quality arms, Yu Darvish’s return has come at the perfect time. The five-time All-Star is no longer one of the league’s hardest throwers. Still, he’s a savvy veteran with big-game experience. Darvish’s numbers look atrocious (6.08 ERA, 1.50 WHIP), but it’s only been a 13.1-inning sample size. It’s not as if the Japanese hurler will be taking on Murderer’s Row tonight. Since June 1st, the Cardinals have scored baseball’s tenth-fewest runs (189). In addition, St. Louis owns the league’s tenth-highest NRFI rate (72.82%).
The Birds will hand the ball to staff ace Sonny Gray, making his 21st start of the season. It’s been another dependable year for the 35-year-old, who owns a decent 4.04 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. However, he did get shelled for eight runs in 3.1 innings last week against the Diamondbacks. Gray will hope to turn things around tonight against a far less intimidating Padres offense. This season, San Diego is averaging the league’s sixth-fewest runs scored per game (3.99). Unsurprisingly, the Friars also have baseball’s eighth-highest NRFI rate (73.53%). Add it all up, and these two veterans have what it takes to get out of the first unscathed.
