MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Saturday (9/27)
Saturday brings along another loaded slate of MLB games. As you enjoy the weekend baseball, let's dive into the top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks and predictions.
If you’re unfamiliar with MLB NRFI bets, they're pretty simple. We’re betting on whether or not any runs will be scored in the first inning by either team. Both starting pitchers must pitch a scoreless first inning for the bet to cash.
Let’s get to my favorite MLB NRFI picks and plays for Saturday, September 27th.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
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Saturday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves
Starting Pitchers: Bubba Chandler vs. Spencer Strider
Today's first NRFI pick features the Braves hosting the Pirates. We have an intriguing starting pitching matchup with two guys who can be among the league's best next season. Let's count on these talented arms to combine for a scoreless first inning.
Spencer Strider is ending the season strong for Atlanta. He has a 2.10 ERA over his last five starts. His current form is more reminiscent of the guy who was previously one of the league's most exciting pitchers.
Strider has thrown a scoreless first inning in 17-of-22 starts this season (77%). That includes a 7-1 NRFI mark over his past eight outings. The Braves' right-hander also boasts a career 79% NRFI rate. He should handle the Pirates’ lineup early in today's start.
On the other side, rookie Bubba Chandler gets the start for Pittsburgh. The youngster has had mixed results in limited action, but he comes in pitching well. Chandler has allowed only one run and three hits over his past two starts combined, striking out 13 across 11 innings as well.
Chandler has also thrown a scoreless first inning in back-to-back outings coming into this one. That's a good sign after he coughed up four runs in the opening frame to Milwaukee in his first MLB start. The righty will face a hot Atlanta lineup, but it's also one that's batting just .182 with a 33.3% K rate in the first inning over the past week.
Pick: NRFI (-115)
Minnesota Twins at Philadelphia Phillies
Starting Pitchers: Mick Abel vs. Ranger Suarez
Let's now turn our attention to an interleague matchup between the Phillies and Twins. We have Ranger Suarez toeing the rubber for Philly, while rookie Mick Abel gets the start for Minnesota. There's value in the NRFI with these two starting pitchers.
Suarez is coming off one of his worst starts of the season, allowing six runs in 4.0 innings against the Diamondbacks. He should bounce back today at home with the Twins in town. The Phillies' southpaw had a 1.47 ERA over his previous six starts before that last blowup. He also owns a 2.70 FIP at home this year.
Suarez has been elite in the first inning this season. He's tossed a scoreless opening frame in 23-of-25 starts so far. That includes a perfect 13-0 NRFI record at home. Ironically, he just gave up a first-inning run last time out, so expect a strong start to Saturday's game. He's held opposing hitters to a .159 batting average in the first.
Meanwhile, Abel is the bigger wild card for our NRFI. The Twins' starter will make his return to Philadelphia after the team traded him away at the deadline this year. That alone should give Abel some more juice in the first inning to set down the top of the Phillies' lineup.
Abel may have an ugly 7.36 ERA between Minnesota and Philly this year, but he also brings in strong first-inning numbers. He owns a 6-1 NRFI record over seven starts with a 1.29 ERA in the opening frame. It's a small sample size, but encouraging. The Phillies are batting just .211 in the first inning over the past week.
Pick: NRFI (-110)