MLB NRFI Bets, Expert Picks Today | How to Bet Zack Wheeler, Alex Cobb (Friday, April 7)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images. Pictured: Giants pitcher Alex Cobb.
Shayne Trail breaks down his favorite NRFI/YRFI bets of the day below, but you can follow all of his bets in the Action Network app.
| Matchup | H. Greene (Reds) vs. Z. Wheeler (Phillies) |
| First Pitch | 3:05 p.m. ET |
| Matchup | B. Keller (Royals) vs. A. Cobb (Giants) |
| First Pitch | 4:35 p.m. ET |
Today, we will create a custom No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bet by analyzing the performances of two pitchers. This personalized bet can be crafted through sportsbooks such as DraftKings and Barstool Sportsbook.
This NRFI bet is different from a traditional NRFI, as it combines two separate half-innings from the first innings of two different games. This approach allows you to tailor the bet to your preferences.
Our first choice today features Phillies star pitcher Zack Wheeler, who boasted an exceptional NRFI record last season. He finished 23-3 to the NRFI, with a 12-1 home split.
Wheeler's prowess against opposing teams' leadoff hitters was unmistakable, as he conceded just 11 hits in 73 at-bats, resulting in a meager .151 average.
The Reds, however, enter today's contest as the premier first-inning hitting team in baseball with a staggering .522 average. But this statistic is significantly skewed due to the subpar pitchers they've encountered at home thus far, including Rich Hill, Vince Velasquez and some back-end rotation members from the Cubs.
Wheeler will be Cincinnati's first genuine test as it plays its inaugural road game. Wheeler's limited encounters with the Reds' lineup could work in his favor, as only Wil Myers (2-for-9) and Jonathan India (0-for-3) have prior experience against him.
Another viable option is Giants hurler Alex Cobb, who recorded a similar NRFI performance as Wheeler last season. He finished the year with a 22-5 overall NRFI record, including a 14-2 mark at home.
Cobb demonstrated exceptional skill against leadoff hitters, allowing a mere 11 hits in 76 at-bats for a .145 average.
The Royals offense, conversely, ranks as one of the weakest first-inning hitting teams in baseball. They've managed a paltry four hits in 26 plate appearances, resulting in a dismal .160 average. The Royals' top batters are off to a sluggish start, with Bobby Witt Jr. hitting .154, MJ Melendez at .095 and Vinnie Pasquantino at .143.
Much like Wheeler, Cobb's limited history with the Royals' lineup will play to his advantage.
This wager has a much more favorable price at DraftKings at -185 compared to -210 over at Barstool Sportsbook.
As always, six outs to glory…
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