Wednesday is here, which means all-day MLB action. With so much baseball on tap, the betting options are endless. For those looking to cash in quickly, nothing scratches that itch quite like an NRFI. No runs in the first inning sounds easy, but there’s more than meets the eye. Breaking down which pitchers thrive early, and which struggle, could make or break this bet.
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Blue Jays vs. Reds NRFI (-120)
Toronto’s pitching has looked extremely vulnerable in recent weeks. Fortunately for Blue Jays fans, the team’s front office traded for an impact arm in July. Shane Bieber spent seven seasons in Cleveland before moving to Canada last month. It’s been a long road back for the right-hander, who missed nearly 16 months recovering from Tommy John surgery. So far, so good in two starts with the Jays. Through 11.1 innings, the former Cy Young winner has allowed just three runs (2.38 ERA). There’s a good chance his success continues against an inconsistent Reds lineup. Cincinnati has scored just 39 runs over its last ten games, the seventh-lowest total in baseball.
For the home team, it’ll be fellow deadline acquisition Zack Littell on the bump. It’s been a career year for the veteran, owner of a 3.63 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 110 strikeouts. However, he’s coughed up eight runs combined during his previous two outings. On the road, Toronto has posted the league’s ninth-highest NRFI rate (74.29%). When Littell last faced the Blue Jays, he tossed 7.1 innings of three-run ball. In addition, he’s notched a 3.00 first inning ERA. Another stellar performance could be in the works tonight.
Mariners vs. Rays NRFI (-110)
Don’t look now, but the Rays have an outside chance at earning a wildcard berth. A win against Seattle tonight would make Tampa Bay’s postseason dreams far likelier. Granted, that’s easier said than done against Mariners starter George Kirby. An ace on this loaded M’s pitching staff, the righty has been reliable as of late. Over his last seven appearances, the former All-Star has recorded a 2.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 44 strikeouts. Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old has delivered a 2.50 first inning ERA and an 83% NRFI rate.
Tampa will hand the ball to former White Sox starter Adrian Houser. In five games with his new club, the results have been mixed (4.85 ERA). However, the veteran did toss four innings of one-run ball last week vs. the Nationals. His first inning ERA of 3.38 is terrific, along with an 81% NRFI rate. The Mariners possess plenty of offensive firepower, but have been mediocre at the plate recently. Seattle has failed to score in the first during each of their previous four contests. Don’t be shocked if Houser extends that streak to five.
Yankees vs. Astros NRFI (+105)
Full disclaimer: any plus money pick on this list should be seen as a luxury. Still, this is a high-upside play to close out Wednesday’s slate. The Yankees have a knack for scoring early, producing the league’s lowest NRFI rate (62.32%). With that being said, New York could have difficulty swinging the bat in this matchup. Astros starter Jason Alexander dominated the Pinstripes last month, posting six scoreless, one-hit innings on August 10th. To make things more enticing, the righty has yet to allow a first inning run over eight appearances.
On the other side, it’ll be Will Warren toeing the slab. The rookie is by no means a finished product, but he’s adjusted nicely to the big leagues. Through 136.0 innings of work, the 26-year-old has accounted for a 4.30 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 149 strikeouts. Over 28 starts, he’s allowed a first inning run just five times (18%). That bodes well going up against this Astros lineup. Houston’s NRFI rate sits at 74.10%, fifth-highest in baseball. Despite the odds suggesting an offensive outburst, I’ll take my chances on this NRFI at +105.
