On Thursday, just three games are set to take place across Major League Baseball. Still, 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 two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Reds vs. Pirates NRFI (-165)
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Any time Paul Skenes is on the mound, bettors should be on NRFI watch. After all, the superstar has yet to allow a first inning run over 23 starts this season. Through 138.0 innings of work, the All-Star owns a 2.02 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 154 strikeouts. In addition, he owns a 0.53 ERA over three career outings vs. the Reds. It’s difficult to envision anyone, even a decent Cincinnati lineup, scoring off of Pittsburgh’s ace.
The biggest test for this bet will come during the bottom half of the inning. Reds hurler Brady Singer has been decent, albeit unspectacular, this season (4.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). Fortunately for the visitors, tonight’s showdown is about as easy as it gets for opposing pitchers. The Pirates are averaging just 3.54 runs per game, the worst mark in all of baseball. Keeping that in mind, Singer should have little trouble securing three outs. Even with such high odds, this matchup is worth NRFI consideration.
Marlins vs. Braves NRFI (-110)
Thursday’s nightcap takes place in Georgia, where the red-hot Marlins will kick off a four-game series with the Braves. Toeing the slab for Miami will be Eury Perez, who has emerged as a force this season. Through ten outings, the right-hander has posted a 2.70 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. During his most recent appearance, the Dominican held the Yankees to two hits over six scoreless innings. Perez has allowed just three first inning runs this season (2.70 ERA). He’ll get to face an Atlanta offense without All-Stars Austin Riley (abdominal) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf).
The Braves will hand the ball to recently acquired starter Carlos Carrasco. It’s been a difficult campaign for the veteran, who struggled during most of his tenure with the Yankees. Over 38.0 innings, Cookie has notched a lackluster 5.68 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. Still, the former All-Star tossed six innings of three-run ball against the Reds last week. The Marlins aren’t an offensive juggernaut, ranking 19th in baseball with 4.30 runs scored per game. Given how dominant Perez has been, banking on a clean first from Carrasco is worth the risk tonight.
