15 games are scheduled for Wednesday across Major League Baseball. For those looking to get in on the action, few wagers 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 today’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cubs vs. Brewers NRFI (-145)
In the battle for the NL Central, every game counts. The Brewers, fresh off of two straight wins, will go for the series sweep of the Cubs this afternoon. Toeing the slab for Milwaukee will be Freddy Peralta, making his 23rd start of the season. It’s been another terrific season for the right-hander, who has recorded a 2.81 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 131 strikeouts. The Dominican’s first inning ERA currently sits at a minuscule 2.05.
Peralta won’t be the only All-Star caliber hurler taking the hill tonight. On the other side, it’ll be Shota Imanaga. Despite dealing with injuries, the southpaw has been a stabilizing force for the Cubs. Through 78.0 innings of work, the Japanese ace has a 3.12 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. As impressive as those numbers are, Milwaukee’s league-high 79.44% NRFI rate is the headliner. Keeping that in mind, expect a clean start from Imanaga.
Dodgers vs. Reds NRFI (+100)
Typically, NRFIs at even money are a bit too risky for my taste. However, there are always exceptions, as is the case in Cincinnati tonight. For the visiting Dodgers, it’s been a lackluster month of July (11-13 record). During that time, the team has scored 3.87 runs per game, fourth-worst in baseball. Still, a lineup filled with superstars shouldn’t have much trouble against Nick Martinez…or should they? The 34-year-old, going back to his time in San Diego, has had success in this matchup. Over 24.2 career innings vs. Los Angeles, Martinez owns a stellar 1.46 ERA.
Assuming Martinez keeps things scoreless, the next leg of this bet falls on Shohei Ohtani. It’s been a terrific return to the mound for the three-time MVP, making his seventh pitching appearance this season. In a modest 12.0-inning sample size, the two-way force has notched a 1.50 ERA. During that time, he’s allowed two first inning runs (3.00 ERA). Even against a dangerous Reds lineup, I like Ohtani’s chances at navigating the bottom of the first.
Rangers vs. Angels NRFI (-140)
To wrap things up, let’s head out to the West Coast. The Rangers are one of the hottest teams in baseball, having won 13 of their last 20 games. Although the offense has started playing up to its potential, Texas lives and dies with its pitching. Tonight, it’ll be Nathan Eovaldi making his 18th start of the season. The right-hander has been unhittable this year, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 101 strikeouts. His first inning ERA is a sparkling 1.57, as well. When Evo last faced the Angels on July 8th, he tossed six scoreless innings.
To keep this surging Rangers offense at bay, Los Angeles will hand the ball to Jose Soriano. It’s been a solid year for the righty, owner of a 3.79 ERA over 126.0 innings pitched. While he’s certainly not an ace, the 26-year-old should be viewed as one of the more dependable arms in an otherwise subpar rotation. In four of his last five outings, Soriano has held opponents to two runs or fewer. Given how dominant Eovaldi has been, I’ll happily put my faith in LA’s starter to nab three quick outs.
