MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Sunday (6/23)

We have another loaded slate of MLB games on Sunday. I've narrowed in on three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks to get some skin in the game. Let's close the weekend with a few winning bets.

Join our new MLB Betting Group to share bets and compete in leaderboards >>

Sunday’s Best MLB No Runs First Innings (NRFI) Picks

(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

Chicago White Sox (+150) vs. Detroit Tigers (-180) | O/U 8.5 (-118/-102)

Starting Pitchers: Jonathan Cannon vs. Reese Olson

The White Sox snapped a three-game slide yesterday, beating the Tigers 5-1. The two sides will play a rubber match this afternoon. We have a pitching matchup between Jonathan Cannon and Reese Olson. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.

While it hasn't shown up in the win column for Reese Olson, who's just 1-8, he has been a serviceable option for the Tigers this year. The right-hander brings in a 3.34 ERA (34th) and 1.23 WHIP (48th). Olson looked tremendous last time out, blanking the Braves in a 6.0-inning performance. Unfortunately, he took a no-decision in a 2-1 loss. The Detroit hurler gets a White Sox offense that's the worst in the league this year, ranking dead last in both team batting average (.220) and OPS (.627).

Speaking of offensive woes, the Tigers aren't much higher in those categories, sitting 25th (.229) and 27th (.665), respectively. They've just 1-5 in their last six games, averaging 1.0 runs per game over the slump. Jonathan Cannon has looked solid throughout his young career (six starts), posting a 3.34 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 32.1 innings. I think the right-hander should take care of this downward-trending Detroit offense. I'll play the NRFI in this spot.

Bet: NRFI (-110)

San Francisco Giants (+110) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (-130) | 7.5 (+100/-120)

Starting Pitchers: Logan Webb vs. Sonny Gray

The Cardinals look to break out the brooms on Sunday after defeating the Giants at Rickwood Field (6-5) on Thursday and at Busch Stadium (9-4) on Saturday. This National League clash features a top-tier pitching matchup between Logan Webb and Sonny Gray. First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. ET from Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO.

Both of these teams have winning records to the NRFI this year, with San Francisco coming in at 43-34, while St. Louis sits at 41-34. With these two aces toeing the rubber, I don't mind laying the juice in this spot.

Specifically for Gray (2.95 ERA), it's the head-to-head numbers that stick out. The right-hander has limited the Giants' current roster to a slash line of just .192/.333/.404 over 52 at-bats. At home this year, Gray has been untouchable, posting a 1.55 ERA while limiting opponents to a .161 average (.246 on the road).

As for Webb, it's well-documented that he takes a step back on the road (2.06 home ERA vs. 3.86 road ERA). However, he has solid numbers against St. Louis, holding them to a slash line of .237/.286/.339 over 59 at-bats. The Cardinals are just 18th in OPS (.685) over the last 15 days and Webb is riding an eight-start quality start streak, so I think he'll be just fine. Let's take the NRFI in the STL.

Bet: NRFI (-150)

New York Mets (-102) vs. Chicago Cubs (-118) | O/U 8 (-110/-110)

Starting Pitchers: Luis Severino vs. Javier Assad

The night wraps up in the Windy City as the Mets take on the Cubs in a rubber match. This should be a dynamite pitching matchup as well, as Luis Severino squares off against Javier Assad. First pitch is set for 7:08 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.

Starting with Assad, he's probably one of the most underrated pitchers in the MLB this season. He's 4-2 with a 2.75 ERA (ninth), but he doesn't work deep into games, which is likely why he flies under the radar. Assad has carved up the Mets in the past, holding their current roster to a slash line of just .172/.219/.172 over 29 at-bats. Like the above-mentioned Gray, he's unhittable at home, boasting a 1.69 ERA over 37.1 innings.

As for Severino, he also brings in excellent head-to-head numbers, limiting Chicago to a .111/.200/.111 slash line over 27 at-bats. The Cubs' offensive struggles have continued recently, where they're just 19th in OPS (.682) over the last 15 days. Chicago's an impressive 48-29 (fifth-best) to the NRFI this year, seeing 25 of their 39 home games feature a scoreless first frame. I like this trend to continue on Sunday Night Baseball, give me the NRFI.

Bet: NRFI (-135)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: