Top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Odds for Monday, May 30th (2022)
Twenty-six teams will take the field today, and the action gets underway at 1:05 p.m. E.T. with the Brewers opening up a four-game set with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The N.L. Central foes will play twice today. Other notable matchups on today’s slate include the Padres vs. the Cardinals and the Giants starting a series with the Phillies.
Here are three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets that I’ll be locking in today:
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies
This afternoon, the Giants and Phillies open up a three-game set at 4:05 p.m. E.T. from Citizens Bank Park. Logan Webb gets the nod for San Francisco while Philadelphia counters with Kyle Gibson.
Webb enters today’s game with a 5-1 record, and he’s posted a 3.54 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over nine outings. The right-hander last threw on Tuesday, holding the Mets to two earned runs over 5.0 innings of work. It was a 13-12 win for the Giants, and the team improved to 7-2 in his starts this year.
The Phillies will go with Kyle Gibson this evening, and he’s been reliable for them so far this year. The righty is 3-2 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over nine starts. Gibson’s coming off an outing where he threw 5.0 innings against the Braves in a no-decision effort. The 34-year-old hurler surrendered two earned runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out eight.
I like for these pitchers to keep a clean first slate this afternoon in Philly. Kyle Gibson has faced the Giants lineup over 45 at-bats, and he’s limited them to 11 hits (.244). As for Webb, the Phillies are 5-12 against him, with Nick Castellanos and Bryce Harper each going 2-2 (hence why we’re only paying -106 juice with this play). But those four hits have all been singles. If Webb can keep those two inside the park, we should be okay with this one.
Bet: Giants at Phillies NRFI (-106 via FanDuel)
Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
The Astros and A’s are slated for three games in this early-week divisional series. Houston sends Framber Valdez to the hill as they look for their second straight win. Oakland opts for Paul Blackburn as they’ll also be looking for their second straight win. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:07 p.m. E.T. in Oakland this afternoon.
Overall, Valdez has had a great season for the Astros. The left-hander has posted six straight quality starts and three consecutive wins for Houston. Valdez is coming off of an outing where he lasted 7.0 innings against the Guardians, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and no walks. He enters tonight’s game with a 4-2 record with a 2.83 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over nine starts.
Paul Blackburn will oppose Valdez, and the 28-year-old has had an incredible start to the year. Blackburn’s 5-0 on the year over nine starts, and his ERA sits at 1.70 entering tonight’s divisional showdown. His WHIP is at 1.01, and he’s struck out 36 batters on the year. Blackburn last pitched on Wednesday, where he held the Mariners scoreless over 5.1 innings of work. He gave up just one hit while walking five batters.
I don’t think we need to worry too much about Blackburn in this matchup. This season, the right-hander has been nails and didn’t allow a single run last time out. As for Valdez, he’s been very dependable for the Astros this year, and he’s squaring off against one of the worst offenses in the game. The A’s enter ranked 29th in OPS (.611) and dead last in team batting average (.215). He should have no issues carving up the Athletics this afternoon and keeping a clean first frame.
Bet: Astros at Athletics NRFI (-138 via FanDuel)
Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Braves head to the valley as they prepare to take on the Diamondbacks for three games. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. E.T. from Chase Field tonight. Spencer Strider will make his first start for Atlanta, while Arizona goes with Zac Gallen.
Strider has made 11 appearances for the Braves this season, and he owns a 2.22 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 24.1 innings of work. As I mentioned, this will be his first start of the year, and it will likely be an “opening role.†Strider has pitched six times this month, and he’s only given up an earned run in one outing.
Gallen has been very impressive for the Diamondbacks this season. The right-hander is 3-0 over eight starts, and he owns a 2.22 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 44.2 innings. On Tuesday, Gallen was tagged for six runs over 5.1 innings against the Royals. He gave up six hits and two walks in his worst start of the year.
Other than his start against the Royals, Gallen hadn’t allowed more than two earned runs over his other seven outings. I like for him to bounce back tonight against this inconsistent Braves offense. As for Strider, he’s been great this season for Atlanta. His ERA is just 1.54 over 11.2 innings in May, and he’s had four straight scoreless outings. For our final bet, let’s lock in NRFI in the Braves vs. Dbacks game tonight.
Bet: Braves at Diamondbacks NRFI (-112 via FanDuel)
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