MLB NRFI Odds, Picks, Predictions: Bet on Verlander & Walker to Continue First-Inning Dominance (Wednesday, June 29)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images. Pictured: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros.
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.
Astros vs.
Mets
No Runs First Inning -113
| Matchup | J. Verlander (Astros) vs. T. Walker (Mets) |
| First Pitch | 1:10 p.m. ET |
| Best Line | FanDuel |
On Wednesday, we head to Citi Field to take a NRFI between the Houston Astros and the New York Mets.
Taijuan Walker's 8-4 NRFI record is respectable and includes a 4-0 home NRFI split. However, Walker's 2022 home NRFI split is merely a glimpse of his longstanding home dominance. Dating back to 2019-20 — and spanning three MLB teams — Walker boasts a perfect 25-0 NRFI record at home.
Walker is also a proficient day-game pitcher. He reports a 1.42 ERA during day games versus a 4.54 ERA in night games; both splits report a sample size of 30 or more innings pitched.
During the month of June, the Astros rank 26th in soft contact rate in 110 plate appearances. When Houston does make contact — 18.8% of the time — it is rarely significant.
Moreover, two notable Astros hitters have been slumping during the last seven days:
- Michael Brantley: 3-for-19
- Kyle Tucker: 4-for-21
Additionally, Alex Bregman struggles to hit on the road, reporting a meager .194 batting average this season.
On the other side, we have veteran Justin Verlander. His 13-1 NRFI record is amongst the best in the league this season.
Verlander limits opposing batters to an impressive .121 average when facing them for the first time through the order. Furthermore, he also holds leadoff hitters to a .143 average — one major key to Verlander's NRFI success.
Verlander's best matchups today are leadoff hitter Brandon Nimmo (0-for-2 vs. Verlander), and Eduardo Escobar (2-for-18 vs. Verlander).
The Mets rank dead-last in soft contact rate (25%) at home during the month of June. New York is on a 7-3 NRFI run during its last 10 games.
Bet on Walker to continue his historic home NRFI run by picking up NRFI win no. 26 and Verlander to pick up league-leading NRFI win no. 14. Take the NRFI between the Astros and the Mets.
As always, six outs to glory …
For all of Shayne Trail's favorite NRFI/YRFI bets, follow him in the Action Network app.
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