MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (8/9)
Today we highlight games with four starting pitchers who have combined to go 28-23 cashing NRFI bets in 2023.
Wednesday's MLB Best NRFI Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Atlanta Braves at Pittsburgh Pirates
Max Fried vs. Quinn Priester
If you want an NRFI that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire first inning, this play is for you.
When it comes to scoring runs in the first inning of games, we have two total opposites in this matchup.
The Atlanta Braves have scored 111 runs in the first inning, 23 more than anyone else in the MLB. On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Pirates have scored 48 first-inning runs, the third-fewest in the MLB. Only the Marlins and Mets have scored fewer.
Max Fried is making his second start since returning from injury, and he looks as dominant as ever. Fried is 3-1 in a small sample size with a 1.69 ERA over six starts in 2023. He holds a perfect 6-0 NRFI record this season and a 28-2 NRFI record in 2022.
Quinn Priester will be pitching for the Pirates, and this is where things will get intense. Of Priester’s four starts, he has allowed a first-inning run in two of them, though one is due to some errors by his defense.
I don’t mind backing Priester in an NRFI because most of the damage Priester has given up comes the second and third time through the lineup.
Quinn has only allowed three runs on five hits over 32 at-bats when facing opponents for the first time. Opponents are batting .156 with an OBP of .222 the first time they see the rookie.
Now, when you look at the 2nd and 3rd time through the order, that’s when it gets messy. Over 46 at-bats, Priester has allowed 14 runs on 16 hits while opponents are batting .348.
I hope this trend continues with the Pirates’ rookie as we try to take advantage of some plus money!
Bet: NRFI (+105)
Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies
MacKenzie Gore vs. Michael Lorenzen
This may be a revenge spot for the Nationals starter, MacKenzie Gore. Gore faced the Phillies in early July and got rocked. He gave up seven runs on six hits with three strikeouts over 2.2 innings.
During that time, the Phillies were red hot, winning 9 of 11 games, including series wins over the Mets and Cubs, as well as a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite giving up 10 earned runs in two starts against the Phillies, he had yet to allow a first-inning run against his division for this season.
For Philadelphia, newly acquired Michael Lorenzen makes his second start since being traded to the City of Brotherly Love.
Lorenzen made a great first impression in his first start for the Phillies, pitching eight innings and only allowing two runs on six hits while strikeout six against the Marlins.
We are looking for a repeat performance, at least early on, as Lorenzen has not allowed a first-inning run in eight straight starts dating back to mid-June.
Bet: NRFI (-105)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
- MLB Player To Hit A Home Run Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- MLB Best Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
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