Here are our best No/Yes Runs First Inning picks from Wednesday’s slate.
Wednesday's Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates
Pitching Matchup: Zack Thompson vs. Luis Ortiz
Luis Ortiz is returning to the mound this afternoon for the first time since July 4th. His last start came against the Dodgers, in which he was roughed up, to say the least. Ortiz allowed six runs on nine hits, including three home runs in three innings.
While it may be hard to back Ortiz after reading that stat line, the Cardinals offense is far from as explosive as that Dodgers lineup.
The Cardinals and Pirates have scored 17 first-inning runs since the start of July, ranking 26th and 27th in the MLB.
The Cardinals are starting hybrid reliever Zack Thompson, who will be making his third start of the season. As a starter, he is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA.
I am expecting a slow start to this game.
Bet: NRFI (+110)
Miami Marlins at San Diego Padres
Pitching Matchup: Sandy Alcantara vs. Seth Lugo
The 2022 Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcantara, is long gone. In 2023, Alcantara is 6-10 with a 4.11 ERA. Pitching on the road, he has been even worse, posting a 4-6 record with a 4.55 ERA while allowing opponents to his .264 against him.
On the other side, Padres starter Seth Lugo has the opposite splits. Lugo has been decent on the road, with a 2-2 record and a 3.30 ERA, but has struggled pitching in Petco Park. Lugo is 2-4 with a 4.70 ERA at home and has allowed a .277 opponent batting average.
Since July 1st, the Padres have scored 31 first-inning runs (4th most) while the Marlins have scored 16 (13th most).
I believe we are getting excellent value with the YRFI plus money. Both lineups can put up a run quickly with one swing of the bat.
Bet: YRFI (+105)
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