Every team in MLB takes the field today, with many trying to win enough games to be buyers ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. Some teams have their best starters going today, which gives us some enticing pitching matchups.
Aces like Aaron Nola, Chris Sale, Jack Flaherty, and Tanner Bibee get starts today. One of the best ways to get in on the MLB betting action and take advantage of low-scoring games is with NRFIs — No Run First Inning wagers.
With NRFIs, you are betting that neither team will score a run in the first inning. NRFIs have become one of the most popular bets in baseball.
Let's take a look at some MLB games today and offer our favorite NRFI picks for Wednesday, July 24, at the best U.S. sportsbooks.
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MLB NRFI picks for Wednesday, July 24
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
NRFI odds: -125
On Wednesday, the Reds veteran Nick Martinez toes the rubber against a beat-up Atlanta squad. Martinez is having a solid season with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Usually a reliever, Martinez gets the spot start, and with the way he has pitched recently, expect him to do well early. He has not allowed a run in his last three outings, striking out six in 5.1 innings pitched.
The Braves put ace Chris Sale out today, looking to build on his Cy Young campaign. Sale is turning back the clock, as the 35-year-old has a 13-3 record with a 2.70 ERA, 140 strikeouts, and a 0.95 WHIP. He has been fantastic in the first inning, too, only allowing four first-inning runs over his last 13 starts.
New York Mets vs. New York Yankees
NRFI odds: -125
The Mets' Sean Manaea takes the mound against the Yankees. Manaea has been solid lately, especially at the beginning of his appearances. He has given up just one first-inning run over his last 16 starts.
For the Yankees, Gerrit Cole continues to work his way back into form, making just his seventh start of the season. He has been improving with each outing and has not allowed a first-inning run in four consecutive appearances after allowing one in each of his first two starts.
NRFI pick of the day: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
NFRI odds: -150
The Guardians give the baseball to Tanner Bibee, who, after a strong rookie season, is putting together another strong year. He has an 8-4 record with a 3.58 ERA, 126 strikeouts, and a 1.11 WHIP. Each ranks in the top 35 of baseball, and Bibee is one of only two starters for playoff-bound Cleveland with an ERA under 4.0. Bibeee has been at his best early in games, not allowing first-inning runs in 65% of his starts. He is also coming off a great outing, where he allowed no runs over 5.2 innings in a 7-0 win over the Padres.
The Tigers, who are trying to play their way into wild-card contention and trying to become buyers at the deadline, put Jack Flaherty on the mound. Flaherty has proved to be a smart signing for Detroit, as he has a 3.13 ERA with 127 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP. Flaherty has shut down opponents at the start of games, too, as he is on a 10-game streak without allowing a first-inning run.
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