Friday MLB NRFI Odds, Expert Pick & Prediction: Target First-Inning Studs in Cardinals vs. Pirates (September 9)

Friday MLB NRFI Odds, Expert Pick & Prediction: Target First-Inning Studs in Cardinals vs. Pirates (September 9) article feature image
Credit:

Justin Berl/Getty Images. Pictured: Roansy Contreras #59 of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Shayne Trail breaks down his favorite NRFI/YRFI bet of the day below, but you can follow all of his bets in the Action Network app.


No Runs First Inning (-135)

MatchupM. Mikolas (Cardinals) vs. R. Contreras (Pirates)
First Pitch6:35 p.m. ET
Best LineDraftKings

On Friday, we head to Pittsburgh to find value in a matchup between two National League teams: the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates will send out their young superstar and Roansy Contreras. Coming into today Contreras is a perfect 13-0 to the NRFI, with a 7-0 home NRFI split. After facing teams' lead-off hitters Contreras settles in very well.

He has faced a total of 76 opposing No. 2 and 3 hitters in the batting order and allowed just 12 hits, which is good for a .157 combined average. Contreras has minimal starts against the Cardinals, but here is how he has done in the past:

  • Nolan Arenado: 1-for-3
  • Tommy Edman: 1-for-3
  • Tyler O’Neill: 0-for-4
  • Paul Goldschmidt: 1-for-2

The Cardinals have a very large split percentage between their home NRFI record and their away NRFI record, they are significantly worse at hitting in the first inning when on the road.

The Cardinals will counter with Miles Mikolas. Coming into today Mikolas is 22-6 to the NRFI with a 13-2 road NRFI split. Mikolas has excelled when facing hitters the first time through the order. In 240 batters faced he is only allowed 41 hits which is good for a lousy .171 average.

Here is how Mikolas has done in the past against some of these Pirates hitters:

  • Kevin Newman: 3-for-18
  • Ke’Bryan Hayes: 2-for-5
  • Ben Gamel: 0-for-5
  • Rodolfo Castro: 0-for-1

To no one's surprise, the Pirates are one of the worst YRFI teams in baseball. In 2022, the Pirates NRFI 82% of the time regardless of being home or away. They also are coming into today riding a 9-1 NRFI streak.

Bet on Mikolas to pick up NRFI win No 23 today, and for Contreras to remain perfect picking up NRFI win No. 14. Take the NRFI between the Cardinals and the Pirates.

As always, six outs of glory.


For all of Shayne Trail's favorite NRFI/YRFI bets, follow him in the Action Network app.


The must-have app for MLB bettors

The best MLB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.