MLB NRFI Picks for Saturday: Packaging Spencer Strider, Patrick Sandoval (April 1)
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images. Pictured: Spencer Strider.
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 | S. Strider (Braves) vs. J. Gray (Nationals) |
| First Pitch | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| Matchup | P. Sandoval (Angels) vs. S. Fujinami (Athletics) |
| First Pitch | 4:07 p.m. ET |
We will be crafting our own No Runs First Inning (NRFI) proposition by examining the performances of two pitchers. This customized bet is available for creation at DraftKings and Barstool Sportsbook.
The Atlanta Braves have found a potential future ace in Spencer Strider, who last year recorded an impressive 18-2 NRFI (No Run First Inning) record.
Demonstrating exceptional skill against opposing teams' leadoff hitters, Strider has allowed only six hits in 58 batters faced, resulting in a remarkable .103 average. Additionally, when facing batters for the first time through the order, he has allowed just 39 hits in 228 at-bats, translating to a .171 average.
Strider has also found success last season against specific Nationals hitters, including Lane Thomas (0-for-2), Dominic Smith (0-for-3), Keibert Ruiz (0-for-6) and Victor Robles (1-for-4). Thomas and Smith, projected to be the first and second hitters Strider will face today, have an xBA (expected batting average) under .100 in their limited encounters with the Braves' second-year stud.
Another left-handed pitcher to watch is Patrick Sandoval, who last season boasted a 20-6 NRFI record.
Similar to Strider, Sandoval excels at retiring leadoff hitters, allowing a mere .188 average in 69 batters faced. He has performed well against the Oakland Athletics' lineup, holding all of Seth Brown (0-for-6), Aledmys Diaz (1-for-5), Tony Kemp (0-for-5) and Jesus Aguilar (0-for-1) in check.
Although Brown is arguably the A's best hitter, having hit 25 home runs last season, he struggled against left-handed pitching with a .174 average. Aguilar had a similar challenge, hitting only .196 against southpaws in 122 plate appearances.
It's worth noting that the Oakland Coliseum's expansive foul territory is often considered a pitcher's paradise.
The custom NRFI wager is priced at (-175) over at DraftKings.
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