Another 15-game MLB slate is on tap tonight. For those looking to get in on the action, consider 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 Tuesday’s action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Giants vs. Pirates NRFI (-140)
For all their issues at the plate, the Giants still possess one of baseball’s best pitching staffs. It all starts with Logan Webb, San Francisco’s undisputed ace. It’s been a terrific season for the All-Star, owner of a 3.31 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Tonight, he’ll take on arguably the league’s worst lineup. Pittsburgh is scoring just 3.58 runs per game, the lowest mark in all of baseball.
The bigger hurdle for this NRFI bet will come in the top half of the inning. Mike Burrows isn’t exactly a household name, but the right-hander has been solid this season. Through 58.0 innings with the Pirates, he’s notched a 3.88 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 60 strikeouts. Over his last three starts, the righty has surrendered a total of just three earned runs (1.59 ERA). In comparison, the Giants have scored the league’s eighth-fewest runs since July 1st (118). Pittsburgh’s under-the-radar arm is poised for more success in tonight’s matchup.
Reds vs. Cubs NRFI (-140)
A pivotal NL Central series continues on Tuesday with an intriguing pitching matchup. For the hometown Cubs, it’ll be Shota Imanaga toeing the slab. Over 15 appearances, the Japanese hurler has recorded a stellar 3.25 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 63 strikeouts. The Reds wield one of the National League’s better offenses. However, Cincinnati has an NRFI rate of 76.36% when playing on the road. That’s the eighth-highest percentage in baseball.
On the flip side, it’ll be the newly acquired Zach Littell making a start for the visitors. It’s been a career year for the veteran, who has accounted for a 3.58 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 89 strikeouts. The flyball specialist has been phenomenal to start games, as well. Through 22 outings, Littell has produced a 2.86 first inning ERA. The Cubs lineup, while dangerous, hasn’t been at their best lately. During the previous two weeks, Chicago has scored the league’s 13th-fewest runs (54).
White Sox vs. Mariners NRFI (-135)
No contender was busier during the trade deadline than the Mariners, who picked up several high-end hitters. However, this team is still built on quality starting pitching. No player is more evident of that than Bryan Woo. Once regarded as a solid depth piece, the 25-year-old has emerged as an All-Star this season. Through 21 starts, Woo has a 3.11 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 127 strikeouts. Tonight, he’ll face a White Sox squad averaging baseball’s fourth-fewest runs per game (3.82).
He might not be an All-Star, but Davis Martin is a decent arm in his own right. The 28-year-old has been a standout on an otherwise mediocre White Sox pitching staff. Through 91.1 innings, he’s posted a 3.84 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. For all their hitting prowess, the Mariners struggle to score at T-Mobile Park. Seattle is averaging the fifth-fewest runs per game when playing at home (3.91). When Martin last faced the M’s on May 19th, he tossed 7.1 innings of two-run ball. Given his track record, I’m willing to bet on another solid showing on Tuesday night.
