One inning to sweat. Six outs. That’s it. And that’s why we love the NRFI/YRFI market and finding the best NRFI picks today.
NRFI stands for ‘No Run First Inning’. YRFI is ‘Yes Run First Inning’. All we’re doing for our best NRFI/YRFI bets today is counting on one inning. Worry about the other eight innings another time.
The games in focus are the Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins, and Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers.
Best NRFI/YRFI Picks Today (June 24)
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals YRFI (DraftKings, -190)
The total between the Cubs and the Cardinals sits at 13.5, and we’re happy to see the scoring start early. Justin Steele has been solid for the Cubs, but the Cardinals boast a tough stack at the top of the lineup with Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. Adam Wainwright and his 5.56 ERA looks like something to take advantage of.
Additionally, the game being played overseas and the potential for offense due to altitude and other factors further support the expectation of runs in the first inning. It’s a lot of juice to eat, but not enough to keep us away. We’d love the damage to come from Cody Bellinger, who is one of our favorite bets here.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins NRFI (DraftKings, -115)
Why wouldn’t we trust Osvaldo Bido and Bryan Hoeing to keep both offenses off the board in the first? While their numbers are not exceptional, they possess the ability to keep opponents off the base paths. Hoeing is making his fourth start of the year, but shouldn’t be long for this game after throwing just 54 pitches in his last start. However, he struck out five in his four innings against a formidable Blue Jays lineup. In a shorter outing, he doesn’t have to leave anything on the table early. We also like Bido’s strikeout potential early to keep the Marlins from scoring.
Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers YRFI (DraftKings, -120)
Ronel Blanco is fine. But fine doesn’t get it done against the Dodgers. He’s allowed 9 runs in 17 innings across three starts in June. His biggest issue? Keeping runners off base. Seems like a problem for a pitcher. Blanco has 9 walks while allowing five home runs in this stretch. It’s likely the Dodgers cash this for us, but Houston is capable of getting to Dodgers starter Bobby Miller, who allowed seven earned runs in his last start.
