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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Sunday (9/3)

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The MLB weekend wraps up today, and it should be an exciting day of action as the postseason push continues to heat up. I'm taking it to the prop sheet on this fine Sunday, where I've narrowed in on three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) props. Let's dive into the plays!

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Sunday's Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Seattle Mariners vs. New York Mets

The Mariners picked up an 8-7 victory yesterday, knotting the weekend series with the Mets at one game apiece. The two sides are back at it today, and we have a pitching matchup between George Kirby and Tylor Megill. First pitch is set for 1:40 p.m. ET from Citi Field in Queens, NY. 

The Mets' offense hasn't been in great form this season as they're currently ranked just 25th in team batting average (.238) and 18th in OPS (.722). It won't be an easy matchup for them to get back on track as they're running into Kirby, who actually has the sixth-shortest odds to win the Cy Young (+4000 via DraftKings Sportsbook). The right-hander has been excellent, going 10-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. 

New York has been on a streak of six straight NRFIs cashing, and I say it happens again here. While the M's are heating up offensively, they'll face Megill, who has been serviceable at home in 2023. The right-hander's ERA drops to 3.27 at Citi Field, and opponents are hitting .244 against him. I say we're scoreless after one in the Big Apple this afternoon. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (+100) 

Baltimore Orioles vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Speaking of Cy Young hopefuls, Zac Gallen gets the nod as the Diamondbacks attempt to take two of three games against the Orioles this afternoon. The O's counter with Jack Flaherty in this interleague tilt set for 4:10 p.m. ET from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ. 

Starting with Gallen, he enters today's action with the third-shortest odds to win the N.L. Cy Young (+500), trailing only Blake Snell (-185) and Spencer Strider (+350). A large part of his success is due to his pitching at Chase Field. Gallen owns a 1.79 ERA at home this season, and opponents are hitting a measly .211 against him there. Furthermore, the current Baltimore lineup is just 1-13 (.077) against Gallen.

As for Flaherty, he also has solid head-to-head numbers against the Snakes. Arizona's current roster is slashing just .192/.276/.462 against him over 52 at-bats. The right-hander hasn't been great recently, but I'll take a shot with the "coin flip odds" to say that he keeps a clean first frame. The NRFI hit in yesterday's game and is now 5-2 in Baltimore's last seven games. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-110) 

San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres

The Giants have dropped two straight games to the Padres, but they'll achieve a series split if they can pull off the win today. Alex Cobb heads to the bump for San Francisco, while San Diego opts for Seth Lugo. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET from Petco Park in San Diego, CA. 

Cobb is fresh off of a complete game against the Reds on Tuesday, an effort where he lost a no-hit bid 8.2 innings into the game. Considering his great form, I'll back him to quiet this San Diego offense that's just 23rd in team batting average (.240) and 16th in OPS (.736). 

As for Lugo, he's putting together a solid season, going just 5-6 but posting a 3.67 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. As for the head-to-head numbers, San Francisco's lineup owns a slash line of .212/.255/.269 over 52 career at-bats against Lugo. The right-hander should be able to stifle this underwhelming Giants offense. They're ranked just 24th in both team batting average (.238) and OPS (.699). Let's play the NRFI in San Diego today. 

Bet: No Runs First Inning (-120)

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

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