It’s April 8, and we’ve got a full Tuesday slate loaded with value, including a few strong NRFI bets today worth targeting.
I’m riding with the NRFI in Pirates vs Cardinals and Braves vs Phillies later tonight, both featuring elite pitching matchups. Let’s get into it.
NRFI Pick Today: Cardinals vs Pirates (-150 at Sportsbook)
Cardinals vs Pirates Odds – Game Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Thanks to a dream pitching matchup, we’re riding with the NRFI in Pittsburgh tonight. Paul Skenes looks like the real deal. He’s 2-0 on NRFI bets to start his MLB career and has given up just one hit in seven first-inning at-bats. That kind of command, especially against a slumping St. Louis lineup, is gold.
He’s also owned the Cardinals in limited action — just a .532 OPS against him across 56 at-bats. On the flip side, Sonny Gray gets the start for the Cards. He’s a steady veteran who should make quick work of a Pirates offense hitting .158 in the first inning this season. Not exactly fearsome.
Until Skenes gives us a reason not to, I’m always tailing him on the NRFI.
NRFI Pick Today: Phillies vs Braves (-150 at Sportsbook)
Phillies vs Braves Odds – Game Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
This is a heavyweight NRFI play. Zack Wheeler vs Chris Sale. Both guys who can absolutely mow through the top of a lineup. Wheeler has a long history of success against Atlanta, with Braves hitters posting just a .562 OPS in 266 at-bats against him. That’s not a fluke. He knows how to pitch to this team.
On the other side, this is a man who just won the Cy Young a year ago. Chris Sale may have changed uniforms, but the stuff is still elite, and he gets a Phillies lineup that hasn’t exactly been striking fear early. The Braves are also 7-2 on NRFI bets this year and hitting just .161 in the first inning — this isn’t the usual Atlanta offensive buzzsaw just yet.
Wheeler + Sale + two cold first-inning lineups? Lock me in for a scoreless first.
