All 30 teams across Major League Baseball are taking the diamond on Saturday. That means plenty of options for bettors, including 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. Who should you back, and who should you fade, in the first tonight?
Ahead of Saturday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Giants vs. Brewers NRFI (-150)
Few teams in baseball struggle more at the plate than the Giants. However, San Francisco still possesses one of baseball’s better pitching staffs. It all starts with tonight’s starter, Logan Webb. Through 160.2 innings of work, the 28-year-old has recorded a 3.19 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 175 strikeouts. During his last time out, against the Rays, the All-Star tossed seven scoreless, three-hit innings. Over six career outings vs. Milwaukee, Webb owns a 2.17 ERA. At home, Milwaukee’s lineup owns the league’s highest NRFI rate (85.71%).
On the other side, it’ll be Freddy Peralta toeing the slab. Much like Webb, it’s been yet another terrific campaign for the right-hander. Through 142.2 innings, the Dominican owns a 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 154 strikeouts. In just three of his 26 appearances this season, the 29-year-old has allowed more than three runs. In comparison, San Francisco is averaging the league’s sixth-fewest runs per game (4.02). Against such a feeble lineup, there’s no reason to think Peralta can’t pick up three quick outs.
Athletics vs. Mariners NRFI (-110)
At home, the Athletics are an automatic stay-away for NRFI bets. After all, Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park is a hitter’s paradise. Still, inflated statistics in California can actually give some A’s pitchers value on the road. That’s the case for Saturday’s starter, Jeffrey Springs. Acquired last winter from the Rays, it’s been a solid debut season for the 32-year-old. Over 26 outings, he’s notched a 4.24 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 114 strikeouts. He’ll face a dangerous Mariners lineup tonight. However, this group tends to struggle when hitting at T-Mobile Park. Seattle has accounted for the league’s second-highest NRFI rate at home (80.95%).
For the home team, it’ll be George Kirby on the hill. Between injuries and inconsistent performance, it hasn’t been a banner year for the righty. Through 89.2 innings pitched, he’s posted a 4.22 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 94 strikeouts. Regardless, this is still a proven All-Star talent. Much like Seattle, the A’s struggle to score in the Emerald City. The team has tallied a total of 38 runs over their last ten trips to the Pacific Northwest. Against a top-shelf arm such as Kirby, an offensive outburst appears unlikely.
