MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Sunday (9/28)
Even though it's the final day of the MLB regular season, there is still much to be decided with playoff spots and division titles up for grabs. You can check out all of the different scenarios through this MLB.com link.
In terms of my betting action today, I'm heading to the prop sheet to lock in a few No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wagers. Since all of today’s games will be started within a 15-minute window, it should make for a very fun betting stretch on Sunday afternoon. Here are my top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks & predictions for Sunday, September 28th.
- 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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Sunday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Rays (+162) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (-200) | O/U 7.5 (-115/-105)
Starting Pitchers: Ian Seymour vs. Kevin Gausman
Let's get things started in the Great White North, where the Blue Jays (93-68) can secure the American League East championship and the top seed with a win over the Rays (77-84). They'll turn to Kevin Gausman to get them there, while Tampa counters with Ian Seymour. First pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.
Gausman has been a very reliable option for the Blue Jays this season, entering today's game with a 3.47 ERA (18th) and a 1.03 WHIP (ninth). In four starts (28.2 innings) this month, the right-hander has logged a 1.88 ERA. That four-start stretch includes a six-inning performance against the Rays, where he held them to only one earned run.
As for Seymour, he has been equally as dominant in four September outings (20.1 innings), registering a 2.66 ERA. He pitched against Gausman in a game that ended 2-1 on September 17th, and he didn't concede an earned run over seven innings pitched. Toronto's current roster is slashing just .190/.227/.238 against him over 21 at-bats. The Jays are a lousy 25th in wOBA (.274) over the last seven days, so I expect Seymour to keep a clean first frame in this one. Give me the NRFI.
Bet: NRFI (-115)
Texas Rangers (Odds NA) vs. Cleveland Guardians (Odds NA)
Starting Pitchers: Patrick Corbin vs. Logan Allen
Like the Blue Jays, the Guardians (87-74) can lock up a division title this afternoon with a victory over the Rangers (81-80). Texas sends Patrick Corbin to the bump, while Cleveland will send Logan Allen to the mound. This American League showdown gets underway at 3:10 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.
Logan Allen will face a Rangers offense that's just 29th in wOBA (.233) and 28th in ISO (.097) over the last seven days. The Guardians are a pitching-first franchise and have one of the best bullpens in the game. They enter Sunday's slate ranked third in relief ERA (3.45) and seventh in WHIP (1.24).
As for the bottom of the first, we'll be leaning on Corbin, who brings in a modest 4.34 ERA. The veteran southpaw has owned the Guardians in the past, limiting their current roster to a slash line of .178/.260/.244 over 45 at-bats. Jose Ramirez is just 1-for-9 (.111) against him. These teams are tied for the second-best NRFI record this year at 90-71 (56%). I'm confident in locking in this prop when the odds populate.
Bet: NRFI (Odds NA)
Cincinnati Reds (+123) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (-150) | O/U 7.5 (-110/-110)
Starting Pitchers: Brady Singer vs. Freddy Peralta
The Brewers (96-65) secured the top seed in the National League yesterday, but they're still sending ace Freddy Peralta to the bump this afternoon. The Reds (83-78), who are still in play for the final National League Wild Card spot, will turn to Brady Singer in this game. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. ET from American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI.
As of this writing, Peralta is still listed as the starting pitcher, which I find interesting considering the Brew Crew already has the top seed in their grasp. Hopefully, he does start because I always love playing NRFIs when the right-hander takes the ball. Peralta has gone 17-6 this season with a 2.68 ERA (seventh) and a 1.07 WHIP (12th). His 201 strikeouts are the 10th-most in the Majors. At home, Peralta has been untouchable, dropping his ERA to 1.71 and limiting the opposition to a .188 batting average.
As for Singer, he got roughed up in a pivotal start last time out against the Pirates (allowing four earned runs in 5.1 innings). However, when removing that start, the right-hander has recorded six quality starts over a seven-start span (41.2 innings) while logging a 1.94 ERA. Singer draws a matchup against a Brewers side that has been struggling over the last seven days, sitting 28th in wOBA (.245) and last in ISO (.064). Give me the NRFI in Milwaukee today.
Bet: NRFI (-135)