It’s always nice to return midweek to the diamond and pump out a 3-0 night. We are back for three more plays, with tonight’s action providing a brimful of value early in games. Be it a No Run First Inning or a Yes Run First Inning bet, the aim is to combine recent hitting and pitching trends, ballpark data and the first inning moneyline tool at OddsShopper. Here are the best value plays for today’s action with the best NRFI picks today for Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Best NRFI Picks Today: No Run First Inning Bets 9/28
Royals vs. Tigers YRFI/NRFI Pick | RISK FREE BET
The Tigers remain fourth worst in baseball, sitting at 0.39 runs per first inning (RPFI) at home, and they take on a Royals squad that only plates 0.40 RPFI on the road. Neither of these teams produce early scoring in their respective spots — Kansas City on the road and Detroit, well, anywhere. Daniel Lynch will be the key here, entering tonight with a 1.58 WHIP. The working theory is that the Tigers haven’t been able to capitalize on worse pitching, so Lynch has a legit shot. Matt Manning has shown a few flashes, working his WHIP to 1.17, and he faces a Royals team that also fails to take advantage of early opportunities.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Royals at Tigers NRFI (-130 BetMGM)
Yankees vs. Blue Jays YRFI/NRFI Pick
Still stuck on 60 home runs, Aaron Judge remains a threat and is most likely due. He’s as big of a threat, if not the biggest, as any hitter in baseball to launch a ball out of the park in the first inning. He and his teammates take on Mitch White, who has given up at least one run in each of his eight starts. White carries a 1.67 WHIP and is certainly a target at plus money. The Yankees should have multiple chances in the first inning with at least one baserunner in scoring position. Gerrit Cole has been stellar but is leaking over his last two starts, surrendering a run in the first in each of those outings.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Yankees at Blue Jays YRFI (+115 BetMGM)
Dodgers vs. Padres YRFI/NRFI Pick
This is another game that targets the bats in the opening frame despite a good pitching matchup in San Diego. Both Julio Urias and Joe Musgrove enter with solid numbers, including decent strikeout rates each at 24.4%. They won’t make it easy, but the lineups at the plate have the advantage, at least in creating scoring chances. The Dodgers are one of baseball’s better teams, averaging 0.54 RPFI on the road. They are averaging 1.00 RPFI over their last three and are one of the best hitting teams in the sport. The Padres have jettisoned up the ladder and are now one of baseball’s better teams, averaging 0.58 RPFI at home and 0.1.67 RPFI over their last three games.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Dodgers at Padres YRFI (+105 BetMGM)
