Top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Odds for Monday, August 22 (2022)
We only have nine games on the slate this evening, but the lack of volume and star power on the mound can play to our edge as we’ll be getting much better prices on NRFIs. That is the case tonight, as we’ll get a serious sweat going with both plays happening at the same time.
Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates – 7:05 pm
This matchup may not have glamour to it, but it may be the best NRFI play on the slate. Roansy Contreras will get the ball in the top of the first, and he has been surprisingly spectacular in the first inning this season. His 4.02 ERA and 1.41 WHIP have been mostly formed after the first inning. Through ten starts this season, Contreras has yet to allow a run in the first inning and has a 0.80 WHIP. Tonight he’ll face a Braves lineup that is very streaky when it comes to scoring in the first inning but ranks 18th in first-inning runs per game on the season.
The other half of this inning will be the responsibility of Jake Odorizzi. His first three starts in a Braves uniform have not gone all that well, as he’s allowed nine earned runs in 13 innings of work. However, he’ll get an excellent matchup this evening as he faces off against this Pittsburgh order. They have been dreadful this season, and their struggles begin early as they are tied for the second least first-inning runs per game. To make matters worse, they will likely be without their best hitter Ke’Byran Hayes, who is a staple at the top of their order.
Pick: NRFI -115
New York Mets vs. New York Yankees 7:05
The second act of the Subway Series is set to commence tonight in the Bronx, and the Mets are firing ready to fire their big guns as Max Scherzer will be getting the ball. Scherzer has been one of the best pitchers in the majors this season, and his dominance begins in the first inning. Through 17 starts, he has a 1.06 ERA and a 0.59 WHIP in the first inning this season. He’ll also benefit from a slumping Yankee lineup that is dangerous but hasn’t proven to be as of late as they have the second worst team batting average since the trade deadline.
Domingo German will toe the slab in the top of the first. German had his first successful start of the season against the New York Mets. In July, he threw four-plus innings and allowed just two runs while striking out seven batters. German has improved with every outing he’s had since he returned, and we’ll be in great shape if he can replicate his success from his first matchup with the Mets. However, it will be no easy task as the Mets lead the majors in first-inning runs per game at home.
Pick: NRFI -135
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