MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Sunday (4/26)
There is extra baseball from which to make your wagers this Sunday, as the Rockies-Mets doubleheader makes for 16 games to comprise MLB no runs first inning (NRFI) picks.
There are several ballparks to attack from a YRFI perspective (I’m looking at you Mexico City) and other NRFI value while selling high on hot offenses.
Let's dive into some games on this April 26th slate and make some MLB no runs first inning (NRFI) picks.
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Sunday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | Season: 4-7 (-3.52 units, -32% ROI)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
Starting Pitchers: Aaron Nola vs. Chris Sale
Aaron Nola has allowed a .293/.348/.581 slash line in 311 combined at-bats to current Braves hitters. Ronald Acuna Jr. starts things at the top of Atlanta’s lineup as one of five Braves hitters with a .943 OPS or better against the righty (min. 15 ABs).
Acuna has just two home runs, but entered Saturday amid a 16-game on-base streak. When the Braves took Friday's series opener, they improved their runs per game average to 6.5 over the last 16. Acuna added directly to that with his 18th career homer against Philadelphia, tied for his third-most against any opponent.
It is hard to argue with Acuna's career numbers against Nola, as four of his nine extra-base hits have been home runs, while slashing .308/.390/.635. If he is again a table-setter for the Braves' offense, I am all in on Atlanta scoring in the first inning, as I don’t have as much confidence in Philadelphia scoring against Chris Sale.
Pick: YRFI (-111)
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago White Sox
Starting Pitchers: Foster Griffin vs. Sean Burke
Entering the weekend, Chicago had quietly won five of seven games, while belting 17 home runs and averaging 7.0 runs per game over that span.
Meanwhile, offense is the least of Washington’s concerns, as its 154 runs scored ranks second in the Majors, behind only the Braves.
However, I am selling high on both offenses, especially since Foster Griffin is proving himself to be a reliable option in Washington’s rotation. His last start was just the second of six-plus innings from a Nationals starter, while White Sox righty Sean Burke ranks in the 74th percentile or better in barrels and walk rate.
Pick: NRFI (-132)
San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Starting Pitchers: Michael King vs. Ryne Nelson
In 2023, when the Giants and Padres played in this same Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City, the two NL West rivals combined for 11 home runs, while 10 different sluggers went yard.
There is not a better home run-happy environment on the day's schedule, as Mexico City is 7,350 feet above sea level, 2,000 feet higher than Coors Field in Denver. The altitude not only aided in more home run volume, but seven of the home runs traveled 440 feet, and four went 450-plus. Those were each records in the Statcast Era (since 2015) for one game.
Add in the fact that All-Stars like Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. will bat early, and this is great value on a YRFI play in a hitter-friendly stadium.
Pick: YRFI (-215)
Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.