MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Mets vs. Dodgers (Sunday)

The 2024 MLB postseason has been electric, and the action resumes tonight when the Mets (0-0) and Dodgers (0-0) open up the National League Championship Series (NLCS). I'm heading to the prop sheet for Game 1, where I've already locked in a No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bet for this contest. Below I'll dive into the odds, starting pitching matchup and my analysis for the NRFI wager.

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Sunday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Pick

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

New York Mets (+130) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (-155) | O/U 8.0 (-115/-105)

Starting Pitchers: Kodai Senga vs. Jack Flaherty

Tonight's series opener features an excellent pitching matchup, as Kodai Senga squares off against Jack Flaherty. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

It's safe to say Los Angeles’ pitching staff is locked in, as they haven't conceded a single run over the last 24 innings. Jack Flaherty (3.17 ERA) will look to keep the streak alive tonight, and I'm confident he will. The right-hander has succeeded against New York, specifically against some of their top hitters in the lineup. Francisco Lindor (0-for-4) and Jose Iglesias (0-for-5) are a combined 0-for-9 (.000) against Flaherty. Pete Alonso is 2-for-3 (.667) with a double, but if the Los Angeles hurler can work around the slugger, I think he'll escape the first inning cleanly.

The Mets have cashed the NRFI in their last three games, and they're the second-best team to the prop bet this year at 103-66 (60.9%). Kodai Senga (3.38 ERA) will attempt to make it four straight scoreless first innings. He'll have his hands full against a solid Dodgers lineup. However, Los Angeles' "big three" haven't had a dynamic postseason. The trio of Shohei Ohtani (4-for-20), Mookie Betts (4-for-18) and Freddie Freeman (4-for-14) are a combined 12-for-52 (.231) during the playoffs. They had a few big moments in the National League Division Series (NLDS), but the consistency hasn't been there.

Senga only pitched 2.0 innings (allowing one earned run) in his postseason debut. He will likely be on a short leash again, so he should be able to lean on his best stuff the first time through the order. Let's ride the NRFI in what I expect to be a low-scoring game.

Bet: NRFI (-125)

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