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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Sunday (5/4)

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The MLB returns with a loaded 16-game slate on Sunday, providing us with plenty of different ways to get in on the betting action. I've sifted through the pitching matchups and narrowed in on a trio of No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets from today's 16-game slate. Here are my top NRFI plays today. 

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Sunday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning Picks

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Athletics (-130) vs. Miami Marlins (+110) | O/U 8.5 (-120/+100) 

Starting Pitchers: JP Sears vs. Edward Cabrera

Let's get things started in South Beach, where the Athletics (18-16) take on the Marlins (13-19) in a rubber match. JP Sears gets the nod for the A's, while the Fish counter with Edward Cabrera. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from loanDepot park in Miami, FL. 

Despite the Athletics being a more offense-focused club, they've been an NRFI machine this season. They're the seventh-best NRFI team at 19-15 (56%), and they're even better on the road at 12-7 (63%). The Marlins are 14th at 16-16 (50%), while going 10-8 (53%) in home games. 

Cabrera (7.23 ERA) hasn't looked good this season, but he has performed well against the Athletics' notable top-of-the-lineup hitters, holding Brent Rooker (1-for-3 with one double) and Shea Langeliers (0-for-4) to a combined 1-for-7 (.143). As for Sears (2.94 ERA), he should handle a Miami offense ranked 27th in wRC+ (74), 17th in wOBA (.311  and 22nd in strikeout rate (22%) over the last seven days. Give me the NRFI. 

Bet: NRFI (-120)

Chicago Cubs (-112) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (-108) | O/U 7.5 (-110/-110) 

Starting Pitchers: Shota Imanaga vs. Freddy Peralta

The Cubs (21-13) are looking to break out the brooms against the Brewers (16-18) on Sunday, and this divisional matchup features a marquee pitching matchup between Shota Imanaga and Freddy Peralta. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET from American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI. 

Peralta (2.52 ERA) has dominated the Cubs in the past, as their current roster is slashing just .171/.271/.342 against him over 117 at-bats. Their big guns of Ian Happ (2-for-26 with one home run), Seiya Suzuki (2-for-14 with one home run) and Kyle Tucker (2-for-2 with one double) are just a combined 6-for-42 (.143) against him. Chicago has also been the second-best NRFI team in the Majors this year, going 21-13 (62%) to the prop bet.

Milwaukee is an even .500 to the NRFI at 17-17 this season. They're 8-7 (53%) at home. The Brew Crew is running into a tough opposing hurler in Shota Imanaga, who brings in a 2.77 ERA (23rd) and a 1.13 WHIP (34th). He just blanked the Pirates over five innings in his most recent outing and should turn in another solid start against a Brewers side ranked 28th in both wRC+ (66) and wOBA (.264) over the last seven days. 

Bet: NRFI (-145)

Detroit Tigers (-175) vs. Anaheim Angels (+145) | O/U 8.5 (-108/-112) 

Starting Pitchers: Jack Kochanowicz vs. Reese Olson

The Angels (13-19) bounced back with a 5-2 victory over the Tigers (21-13) on Saturday, and they'll turn to Jack Kochanowicz when they try to salvage a four-game series split this afternoon. Detroit counters with Reese Olson in this American League showdown, which gets underway at 4:07 p.m. ET from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. 

Kochanowicz (5.29 ERA) hasn't been very good this season, but I think it's worth backing him with an NRFI play today, considering his head-to-head success against the Tigers. The right-hander has limited Detroit's current roster to 4-for-18 (.222) in his career, with notable hitters Spencer Torkelson (0-for-2), Riley Greene (0-for-3) and Kerry Carpenter (1-for-3) going a combined 1-for-8 (.125). 

As for Olson (3.55 ERA), he should have no issue mowing down this lowly, Mike Trout-less Angels lineup. He's held Los Angeles' roster to a combined 6-for-29 (.207) in his career, surrendering only one extra-base hit over the sample size. The Halos have been horrendous offensively over the last seven days, ranking 27th in WRC+ (73), 25th in wOBA (.273) and 29th in strikeout rate (27.2%). 

Bet: NRFI (-125)

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