Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI): Phillies vs. Marlins (Tuesday)

One quick way to get into baseball betting is the No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bet. Here are our favorite plays for Tuesday.

Tuesday’s Best No Run First Inning Bets

2023 NRFI Season Record (3-2, +0.11 units)

Phillies vs. Marlins First Inning Under 0.5 Runs (-125 @ BetMGM)

This game features a really good pitching matchup, with Aaron Nola going for the Phillies vs. Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins. Nola had a rough outing on Opening Day against the Rangers but bounced back to have a nice performance against a tough Yankees lineup in his second start. Nola has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League over the past few seasons, with his 2022 campaign perhaps being his best one in Philadelphia. His advanced metrics were off the charts last year, ranking 80^th percentile or better in xBA, K%, chase rate, hard hit %, BB%, and xERA. I like Nola to continue to return to form and have a clean first inning against a Marlins offense that is tied for last in terms of average runs per game.

For the Marlins, Jesus Luzardo is one of the more underrated pitchers in all of MLB. The hard-throwing lefty has had a brilliant start to the 2023 season, going 5.2 innings scoreless in his first start and only surrendering one run in 7 innings in his second start. His average exit velocity, xBA, K%, hard hit %, xSLG, xERA, and whiff % all rank in the 80^th percentile or better, which is extremely impressive. I expect this game to be a very low-scoring pitcher's duel, and I especially don't like the Phillies’ chances to score in the opening frame against one of the toughest lefties in baseball.

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