MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (4/12)

Here are our top picks and predictions for the first-inning outcomes of Wednesday’s games.

Wednesday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings and Caesars

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians

Pitching matchup: Clarke Schmidt vs. Peyton Battenfield

Both of these offenses have an advantage today. Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt has struggled in his first two starts of the season, yet to complete four full innings. Over his first two starts, he has given up ten hits, seven earned runs, and two home runs.

On the other side, the Guardians will be starting Peyton Battenfield, who will make his major league debut. Having to face a potential lineup that consists of Lemahieu, Judge, Rizzo, and Stanton in the first inning may not bode well for the rookie.

In the first two games of this series, runs have been scored in the first inning, and I think we go a perfect 3-0 on the YRFI.

Bet: YRFI (-120 DraftKings)

Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves

Pitching matchup: Hunter Greene vs. Spencer Strider

Both pitchers have a clean record regarding the NRFI, and neither has given up any first-inning runs this season.

Hunter Greene is dominant the first time through the lineup but always seems to have trouble the second or third time around. Greene has yet to pitch a complete four innings in 2023.

Spencer Strider owns a 40% K-Rate, which is 4th best in the big league, and goes up against a team with the 7th highest K-rate. Only Jonathan India and Tyler Stevenson have at-bats against Strider, and one of them has a hit. Strider may have the advantage in this matchup.

If Hunter Greene can get through the first few batters of the Atlanta lineup, we should see another NRFI cash.

Bet: NRFI (-120 Caesars)

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