Monday MLB NRFI Odds & Pick: Walker Buehler & Merrill Kelly Dominate First Innings
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images. Pictured: Walker Buehler.
- Two pitchers who thrive in the first inning face off on Monday when the Dodgers play in Arizona.
- Walker Buehler will start for Los Angeles, while Merrill Kelly will get the ball for the Diamondbacks.
- Check out the breakdown for why this game presents the NRFI bet to make tonight.
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.
Cardinals vs. Reds — No Runs First Inning (-120)
| Matchup | Dodgers (Buehler) vs. Diamondbacks (Kelly) |
| First Pitch | 9:40 p.m. ET |
| Books Available | BetMGM |
The YRFI has been on a tear, going 23 for 31 the last two days. Nevertheless, we will find value in today's NRFI between two National League West teams.
Since 2021, Walker Buhler has been Mr. NRFI, going 36-8 to the NRFI, including a 3-0 start to his 2022 campaign. In 2021, he had an excellent 1.64 ERA and .113 opponent's batting average in 33 first innings. Specifically, since 2020, Walker is 5-0 to the NRFI against the Diamondbacks.
Here's how the likely Diamondbacks hitters who Buehler will face on Monday night have fared against him in their careers:
- Christian Walker: 3 for 18
- David Peralta: 5 for 24
- Carson Kelly: 2 for 11
- Pavin Smith: 1 for 9
The Diamondbacks are tied for the MLB's third-worst YRFI team.
On the other side of this is Merrill Kelly, who doesn't get any NRFI appreciation. In 2022, he holds a 3-0 NRFI record and a .182 opponent's batting average in the first inning.
Kelly is sneakily good, going 26-7 to the NRFI at home since joining Arizona before the 2019 season. Also, when pitching at home with a total less than or equal to 8.5, he's a perfect 6-0 to the NRFI.
Kelly might also be catching the Dodgers at the right time. Mookie Betts has three hits in his last 22 at-bats, while Max Muncy is 3-for-19 and Trea Turner is 4-for-23 entering this game.
Pair these two 3-0 NRFI pitchers to have a collective shutdown first inning. Take the NRFI between the Dodgers/Diamondbacks.
As always, six outs to glory…
Get all of Shayne Trail's NRFI/YRFI bets instantly in The Action Network app.
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