OddsShopper is keeping the hot streak going with our No Run First Inning and Yes Run First Inning (NRFI/YRFI) bets. We are now on a 26-12 run over the last few weeks, and last night we rattled off a perfect 3-0 card! So let’s roll along with the best NRFI picks today on DraftKings for Wednesday, May 31, and see if this brutal pitching matchup in Los Angeles is as exploitable a YRFI spot as it looks to be.
Best YRFI/NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Bets
Minnesota Twins at Houston Astros YRFI (-110)
While Hunter Brown boasts an impressive 28-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, his opposing batting average and expected batting average are not stellar. This indicates that opposing hitters can find success against him if they exercise patience and avoid swinging at bad pitches. Additionally, Louis Varland of the Twins is vulnerable, with the potential for hitters to make solid contact against him. Varland’s 43.6% hard-contact rate means that any well-hit balls could result in runs, making the YRFI pick an attractive option for this game.
Cincinnati Reds at Boston Red Sox YRFI (-145)
The combination of James Paxton for the Red Sox and Luke Weaver for the Reds provides an opportunity for a YRFI pick. Paxton, who has not been stretched out enough to be relied upon, presents an opening for the aggressive Cincinnati lineup to take advantage. If the Reds can be patient and work the count, they have a chance to put pressure on Paxton and potentially score in the first inning. On the other side, the Red Sox can capitalize on Weaver’s struggles. His high contact rate and batting average against him make the Boston hitters a threat to score early in the game.
Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers NRFI (+100)
Despite the less-than-stellar reputations of both starting pitchers, Patrick Corbin and Noah Syndergaard have low walk rates that make it less likely for runs to be scored early in the game. Walk rates are a crucial factor when assessing the potential for a NRFI pick, and both Corbin and Syndergaard have demonstrated commendable control in this aspect. While their overall performance may be subpar, the ability to limit walks reduces the likelihood of early runs, making the NRFI pick the better play.
