Top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Odds for Thursday, May 19th (2022)
It’s “getaway day Thursday†which means we have action on the diamond early today. Games get underway this afternoon at 12:35 p.m. ET as the Yankees look to sweep the Orioles in a four-game set followed by the Phillies hosting the Padres in a rubber match from Philly. The final contest of the night is game one of the Loan Star Series, where the Astros gear up to host the Rangers for four games this weekend. Below I’ve listed a pair of No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets that I’ll be locking in for today’s MLB slate.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel
Seattle Mariners vs. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are set to host a four-game series with the Mariners this weekend in Boston. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET from Fenway Park as Boston looks for their second straight win. They’ll send Rich Hill to the bump while the M’s counter with George Kirby.
George Kirby isn’t a household name in Major League Baseball quite yet, but he’s off to a great start in his career. The first round draft pick for the Mariners in 2020 has made two career starts (both in 2022) and he owns a 0.90 ERA and 0.80 WHIP over 10.0 innings of work. Most recently, the right-hander gave up one earned run against the Mets over 4.0 innings.
Rich Hill has made six starts this season and owns a 1-1 record with a 2.89 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. The 42-year-old lefty picked up a win against the Rangers on Saturday in his most recent outing. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and no walks. It’s worth mentioning that the crafty veteran hadn’t allowed a run over his previous three starts, spanning 13.0 innings.
George Kirby has found success early in his professional career, allowing just one earned run over his first 10.0 innings in the Majors. I’ll take a shot with the young righty to handle a middle-of-the-pack Red Sox lineup in the 1st inning. As for the Mariners, offense hasn’t been their strong suit this season. They’re towards the middle of the league in most categories, but trend towards the bottom of the league when facing left-handed pitching. Seattle has the 29th-ranked team batting average at .204 against LHP and they’re the 19th-best in terms of OPS (.655). Rich Hill is in great form so far this season, so I’ll back him to keep a scoreless 1st inning as well.
Bet: Mariners at Red Sox NRFI (-118 via FanDuel)
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs
The Diamondbacks open up a four-game weekend series with the Cubs tonight at Wrigley Field in Chicago. These two teams faced each other last week in the valley, with Chicago winning two out of the three games. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 ET with a pitching matchup featuring Zac Gallen for the Dbacks and Marcus Stroman for the Cubs.
Gallen threw in the series against the Cubs last weekend, allowing one earned run over 6.0 innings pitched. He gave up just two hits and issued one free pass in the no-decision effort. Gallen has been electric for the Snakes this season, posting a 2-0 record to go along with a 1.05 ERA and 0.67 WHIP over six starts.
As for Marcus Stroman, he has made five starts in 2022 and posted a 1-3 record with a 5.13 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. His most recent start was back on May 1st, where he limited the Brewers to no earned runs over 7.0 innings of work. The right-hander allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out five batters.
Zac Gallen is in great form this season and coming off of a powerful outing against the Cubs last weekend. I’m expecting that he’ll continue to dominate tonight, at least through the 1st inning. As for Stroman, while his ERA is inflated due to two poor starts, he bounced back on May 1st, shutting down the Brewers over 7.0 innings. With the Dbacks still owning one of the worst offenses in baseball, I lean towards Stroman recording a clean 1st inning tonight. Take NRFI at -105 tonight in Chicago.
Bet: Diamondbacks at Cubs NRFI (-105 via FanDuel)
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