Top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (10/2)
It’s a packed Sunday in sports, with the MLB offering up a full 15-game slate while the NFL and big European soccer leagues are also in action. Let’s get right into it. Here are my top three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) plays for today.
Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros
The Astros bounced back last night with a 2-1 win over the Rays. The two sides will play a rubber match this afternoon in Houston, which is set for 1:10 p.m. ET. It’s a pitching matchup featuring Corey Kluber for Tampa Bay and Luis Garcia for Houston.
Kluber has been a reliable option for the Rays this season and comes in at 10-9 with a 4.36 ERA (47th) and 1.21 WHIP (34th) over 30 starts. Most recently, the right-hander faced Cleveland and allowed three earned runs on eight hits and a walk over 4.0 innings. It was a no-decision effort that Tampa Bay won 6-5 in 11 innings.
Garcia doesn’t get much credit in the star-studded starting rotation that Houston boasts. Regardless, he’s been excellent this year and comes into today’s contest at 14-8 with a 3.81 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 27 starts. The righty last pitched on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks and went 6.0 innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits. He punched out six in the win, and the Astros have now won his last three starts.
Garcia’s in great form and has posted a 1.96 ERA over four starts this month. One of those outings was against the Rays, and he blanked them over 5.0 innings, giving up just two hits. Kluber pitched in the same series earlier in the month and threw 7.0 innings of one-run baseball. Look for these two hurlers to impress again this afternoon. Let’s ride with NRFI down in H-Town.
Bet: Rays at Astros NRFI (-140 via DraftKings)
Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners
The drought is over for Seattle, and they’ve finally punched their ticket to the postseason after a 21-year gap between playoff appearances. The M’s are riding a four-game win streak, and they’ll turn to Robbie Ray to keep things going. As for the A’s, they opt for James Kaprielian in this divisional clash set for 4:10 p.m. ET from Washington.
Kaprielian has shown some brilliance this season but ultimately comes in at 4-9 with a 4.43 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 25 starts. Most recently, the right-hander took on the Angels and limited them to three earned runs on 10 hits over 6.0 innings. It was Kaprielian’s third consecutive quality start, and the A’s are 1-2 over that stretch.
Ray has finally found his best stuff after a slow start to the 2022 campaign. The reigning Cy Young winner is now 12-11 on the year with a 3.58 ERA (33rd) and 1.17 WHIP (28th) over 31 starts. Ray last pitched on Tuesday against the Rangers and held them to two earned runs on six hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. The southpaw was saddled with the loss, and Seattle has now lost his last four starts.
These starters squared off two weeks ago in a 2-1 victory for Oakland. Kaprielian threw 7.0 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits while striking out six. As for Ray, he lasted 6.0 innings and didn’t allow a run, either. The A’s are now just 9-61 (.148) against Ray in his career, while the M’s are 21-113 (.186) against Kaprielian. Let’s lock in NRFI in this one.
Bet: Athletics at Mariners NRFI (-150 via DraftKings)
Chicago White Sox vs. San Diego Padres
The Padres bounced back with a 5-2 win over the White Sox last night, and the two teams will play a rubber match this afternoon. Game three is set for 4:10 p.m. ET from Petco Park with a pitching matchup between Lance Lynn and Blake Snell.
Lynn had a tough start to the season but has rebounded and is finishing strong. The burly right-hander comes into this one at 7-7 with a 4.16 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 20 starts. Most recently, Lynn faced the Twins and gave up four earned runs on 10 hits and a walk over 5.0 innings. He took the loss and has now dropped his last two starts.
Snell’s ramping it up at the right time after a slow start to the 2022 season. The southpaw sits at 8-9 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 23 starts. He last pitched on Tuesday against the Dodgers and held them scoreless over 5.0 innings, giving up one hit and a trio of walks. He took a no-decision in a 4-3 extra-innings win.
Snell’s been on fire recently, posting a 2.17 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over five starts this month. Furthermore, he hasn’t allowed a run over his last two starts, spanning 12.0 innings. As for Lynn, he’s pitched to the tune of a 2.67 ERA over five starts this month. Look for these two top-end starters to close out the season strong and at least keep a clean first frame. Let’s go with NRFI in this interleague clash.
Bet: White Sox at Padres NRFI (-165 via DraftKings)
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