As MLB dives toward its weekend slate, we'll gladly offer up some winning NRFI picks today. The Mets-Nationals NL East showdown is a sure-fire NRFI pick, while the Pirates' and Brewers' offenses help us double down on our NRFI bets.
Here are our NRFI picks for today.
NRFI Pick Today: Mets vs Nationals (-115)
New York vs Washington Odds - Game Time: 1:10 pm ET
The Nationals aren't the absolute automatic NRFI kings they used to be in April and May, but I'm still always leaning NRFI when Washington is in action. It just so happens the Nats meet the Mets Thursday in a clash between two NRFI-heavy clubs.
The Mets (55-36 NRFI) and Nats (64-29 NRFI) do some heavy lifting for this bet on their own, but the pitchers help too. Mackenzie Gore (16-2 NRFI) is a lock for a quiet first, as his 1.50 ERA shines bright, and he's allowed just 13 hits in 18 first innings. Gore is also money against the Mets' big boppers, such as Pete Alonso (.599 OPS) and Francisco Lindor (.452 OPS).
Meanwhile, David Peterson, who is a key part of our Mets ML expert pick, is spotless in the first inning. He owns a 0.00 ERA in seven starts, allowing just three hits in 23 at-bats. I'm very confident in this NRFI bet.
NRFI Pick Today: Pirates vs Brewers (-115)
Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee Odds - Game Time: 2:10 pm ET
Betting on Skenes is too much fun, and it's good for the ol' bankroll, too, as you'd be up $233 if you bet $100 on each of the righty's 10 starts. The NL ROTY favorite must take the reigns Thursday for our bet to hit.
The Pirates (61-30 NRFI) and Brewers (50-42 NRFI) often keep a quiet first inning, establishing a strong baseline. Skenes owns a reliable 7-3 NRFI record, so he's not the issue with our bet. I'm watching Aaron Civale very closely. Despite his strong 14-4 NRFI record, he's hit rough patches, ballooning his ERA to 5.18.
Thankfully, Civale won't have it too tough, as the Pirates are 74-18 NRFI on offense this season. As a team, they're batting just .202 in the first inning, the third-lowest mark in MLB.
