It was a forgettable night for the column last night on the diamond, but a strong slate of value today provides a fresh look. 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 for Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Best NRFI Picks Today: No Run First Inning Bets
Marlins at Phillies Pick | RISK FREE BET up to $1,000
Braxton Garrett was unable to keep up his end of the bargain last night, but tonight’s feature for the Marlins should do just fine. Miami sends the National League’s best in Sandy Alcantara to cool off a Phillies team that’s put up at least four runs in five straight games. The Miami ace has been hit in a couple of recent starts but comes off a complete-game shutout of the Reds.
Noah Syndergaard makes his second start for the Phillies tonight. While he gave up a first inning run to Washington last start, the Nationals are surprisingly one of the best teams in runs per first inning (RPFI) average on the road. Miami is not.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Marlins at Phillies NRFI (-135 BetMGM)
Yankees at Mariners Pick | RISK FREE BET up to $1,000
Don’t trust Robbie Ray like the books do in this game tonight, as he comes off one of his strongest performances of the season. The previous two starts against better-hitting lineups — both made up by Houston — were a disaster. The Yankees pose a serious threat despite another key injury, and Aaron Judge is always looming in the lineup, no matter who is around him. Seattle normally doesn’t give up much at home, surrendering just 0.30 RPFI to visitors, but they have in two of their last three games. The Yankees plate 0.64 RPFI on the road — second best in all of baseball.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Yankees at Mariners YRFI (+115 BetMGM)
Braves at Red Sox Pick | RISK FREE BET up to $1,000
Last night’s NRFI play in Boston did not work out, there were chances, but a costly mistake in the field burned the bet. Tonight is taking the opposite approach to a similar ending. Boston sends Nick Pivetta to the mound against Kyle Wright for Atlanta. Neither has a strikeout rate north of 23.5%, and both are walking batters at a slightly uncomfortable number.
The ball was flying last night in Boston and should once again tonight. The Braves are fourth best in baseball, averaging 0.58 RPFI on the road, and Boston gives up 0.65 RPFI to visiting opponents — third worst in baseball. Two contact pitchers squaring off against hot lineups means someone on the mound is going to make a mistake in the opening inning.
Best NRFI Bet Today: Braves at Red Sox YRFI (-110 BetMGM)
