We have a rare, fairly full Monday slate on tap with a total of 12 games on the board. The Padres and Dodgers are playing a wraparound series, concluding today with the first game at 4 p.m. ET. Eury Perez appears to be returning for the Marlins, who need a spark to try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Let’s check out the best NRFI bets on the board today, Aug. 7.
Monday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Miami Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Pitching Matchup: Eury Perez vs. Brandon Williamson
As I mentioned in the open, Perez is returning from AAA to start today’s game for the Marlins. The young righty was nothing short of spectacular in his first stint in the Majors and was similarly great in AAA. He was actually at his worst the first time through the order, but a 0.315 wOBA allowed in those situations is certainly not something that should scare us off. Despite this game being in GABP, I am not too worried about the Reds’ offense, as their 81 wRC+ over the last two weeks is the fourth-worst in baseball.
The concerning side of this is Brandon Williamson for the Reds, who has been better of late but is still nowhere near an elite pitcher. Williamson’s big issue has been the long ball, which is not something the Marlins do very well. Their 12 homers in the last two weeks are only higher than six other teams in that span. This all sets up well for this bet to hit and the fact that it comes in at plus odds is even better.
Bet: NRFI (+105)
Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets
Pitching Matchup: Drew Smyly vs. Kodai Senga
Some weather is coming through New York tonight, so keep an eye on this one. Still, the matchup on paper is too good for me to pass up. Since the deadline, the Mets as a team have been in free fall. They have lost six straight games, and in the last week, they have had a 63 wRC+. Small sample, obviously, but the story seems to be that since selling off, the team has essentially punted on the season. This is great for a struggling Drew Smyly, who will look to capitalize on his opponent’s struggles. With the Mets’ offense looking like it is, Smyly should be able to cruise through the first in this one.
On the other side of this, the Mets’ pitching has been similarly bad. However, Kodai Senga - the lone bright spot - is taking the mound. Senga has been a favorite of mine, and despite the Cubs’ offense being the best in baseball over this same one to two-week span, Senga has the ability to shut any lineup out. There is no reason for him to take in easy on the Cubbies today. The stuff is electric, and as long as he is throwing strikes, he is as good as anyone in baseball.
Bet: NRFI (-105)
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