Top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Odds for Sunday, August 14th (2022)
We round out another week of Major League Baseball today with a full 15-game slate. Games get underway at 12:05 p.m. ET in the nation’s capital, with the Padres squaring off against the Nationals. The action concludes with a Sunday Night Baseball rivalry at Fenway between the Yankees and Red Sox.
Below I’ve listed my top three No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wagers for today.
Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
It’s a matinee rubber match in Queens between these division foes, with the first pitch set for 1:40 p.m. ET. The Phillies send Zack Wheeler to the bump while the Mets counter with Chris Bassitt.
Wheeler has been pretty dominant this season as he comes into today’s game with an 11-5 record, 2.63 ERA (10th), and 1.03 WHIP (16th) over 21 starts in 2022. The right-hander has posted four straight quality starts, including a 6.0-inning performance against the Marlins on Tuesday, where he allowed just one earned run on five hits and a trio of walks. Wheeler earned the win, and the Phillies improved to 12-9 in his starts this year.
Bassitt enters today’s contest at 9-7 with a 3.39 ERA (30th), and 1.12 WHIP (23rd) in 21 starts this year. The right-hander last pitched on Monday against the Reds and surrendered one unearned run on eight hits and a walk over 8.0 innings of work. Bassitt picked up his second win in as many starts in the outing.
These two starters squared off against each other back on May 29th, and each posted quality starts in the 5-4 extra-innings win for New York. Wheeler gave up three runs in the first inning, but just one was earned. The 32-year-old has made two starts against the Mets this year and owns a 1.69 ERA against them and limits their hitters to just a .154 batting average. Each of these guys is in great form, boasting sub-1.50 ERA’s in two starts this month. Let’s ride with NRFI in this N.L. East clash.
Bet: Phillies at Mets NRFI (-140 via DraftKings)
Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros
The first-place Astros look to break out the brooms this afternoon when they take on the Athletics at 2:20 p.m. ET from Minute Maid Park. They’ll turn to Cristian Javier to handle the starting pitching responsibilities while Oakland opts for Cole Irvin.
Irvin has been a masterclass this season, posting just a 6-9 record but coming in with a 2.92 ERA (17th) and 1.03 WHIP (17th) in 20 starts. The southpaw last threw on Monday against the Angles and limited them to one earned run on five hits over 8.0 innings of work. Irvin was saddled with the loss in the 1-0 final.
Javier comes into today’s game at 6-8 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over 21 appearances (17 starts). The right-hander has been great this month, earning quality starts in each of his two starts. However, similar to Irvin, he was charged with a loss in a 1-0 affair with the Guardians last time out. Javier allowed an earned run on six hits over 6.0 innings.
Javier owns a 2.25 ERA over 12.0 innings this month. Additionally, he sees his ERA dip to 2.60 when pitching at home, and opponents are hitting just .157 against him at Minute Maid. He should have no issue mowing down this lowly Oakland offense. On the flip side, Irvin will have a tough lineup to go through in the first frame. But I think he’s capable as the left-hander has posted a 2.19 ERA over four starts against Houston this year. The ‘Stros are hitting just .198 against him in 2022. I think it’s worth a shot to play NRFI this afternoon in Houston.
Bet: Athletics at Astros NRFI (-120 via DraftKings)
Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers
Keeping it in Texas, let’s head over to Arlington, where the Mariners and Rangers wrap up a three-game set. The divisional opponents split the first two games of the series, and the finale is set for 2:35 p.m. ET with a pitching matchup featuring Logan Gilbert and Martin Perez.
Gilbert sits at 10-5 entering today’s game and comes in with a 3.47 ERA (32nd) and 1.23 WHIP (43rd) over 23 starts. The right-hander has gotten rocked over his last two starts – both coming against the Yankees. New York scored 13 runs against Gilbert over a combined 9.1 innings of work.
Perez is also coming off of a rough outing, his being against the Astros on Tuesday. They tagged him for seven earned runs on six hits and three walks over 5.0 innings pitched. The clunker moved the left-hander to 9-3 on the year with a 2.85 ERA (14th) and 1.18 WHIP (35th).
While these starters have had their share of horrible starts recently, they’ll take a significant step back in terms of competition faced. Gilbert has found success against Texas this season, posting a 1.02 ERA over three starts. They’re hitting just .224 against him in 17.2 innings. On the flip side, the M’s are hitting .224 against Perez this year, and he owns a 2.45 ERA against them in two starts. I think this is a great spot for these two hurlers to bounce back and at least keep a clean first inning.
Bet: Mariners at Rangers NRFI (-125 via DraftKings)
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