A pair of NL heavyweights will square off when the Atlanta Braves host the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight.
These teams have two of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, which is why my MLB picks are betting on a run to be scored in the first inning.
Here are my best free YRFI and NRFI bets for Saturday, May 3.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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NRFI (-123 at ProphetX)
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NRFI (-112 at ProphetX)
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YRFI (-106 at ProphetX)
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NRFI/YRFI bets for May 3
Astros at White Sox: NRFI (-123 at ProphetX)
The Chicago White Sox score a run in the first inning 43.8% of the time — the second-highest number in the majors. However, they rank just 24th in runs per game (3.63) and second-last in OPS (.627), so expect major regression.
Today, they face Houston Astros fireballer Hunter Brown, who boasts a 1.22 ERA with an MLB-best 1.82 FIP through six starts. The White Sox respond with Davis Martin, who sports a 3.24 ERA through 33 1/3 innings.
The Stros are 23rd in OPS (.667) and plate a run in the first inning at the lowest rate in the majors (16.1%).
Cubs at Brewers: NRFI (-112 at ProphetX)
The Chicago Cubs are one of the highest-scoring clubs in the majors, but they score a run in the first inning just 25.2% of the time. That number is tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the fourth-lowest in the majors, and those teams square off tonight.
Chicago is sending veteran Jameson Taillon to the hill for today's matchup. He has been lights out in the opening frame, where he hasn't allowed a single run with an OBA of .143 through six starts.
The Brewers will have Jose Quintana and his sparkling 1.14 ERA on the mound. Quintana also hasn't surrendered a run in the first inning this year, with the veteran southpaw holding opponents to a batting average of .091 in that frame.
Dodgers at Braves: YRFI (-106 at ProphetX)
Although Spencer Schwellenbach has a sizzling 2.87 ERA, his expected ERA is higher at 3.70, and his expected batting average (.274) sits in the bottom 25th percentile. Regardless of how well the sophomore has pitched, both of these lineups are so stacked at the top that it's hard to turn down the YRFI prop at close to even money.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are third in the majors in OPS (.791), having scored a run in the first inning at the fifth-highest rate (37.5%). Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves began the season ice-cold at the dish, but they have turned things around in the middle of April. They are batting .279 with an OPS of .776 over the last two weeks.
They are going up against Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki, who has been a tad disappointing in his rookie campaign. The Japanese right-hander has a 3.55 ERA with an xERA of 5.51 through six starts, and he has also pitched to a 6.00 ERA in the first inning.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
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