The NRFI train chugs away again on April 11, and with all of MLB in action, we'll have plenty to look at for our NRFI picks today.
I'll be looking at the YRFI in the Jays-Orioles contest plus a guaranteed NRFI in the Reds-Pirates contest, as those two teams lead MLB in their NRFI records.
NRFI Pick Today: Pirates vs Reds (-110 at Sportsbook)
Pirates vs Reds – Game Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
This game sticks out like a sore thumb for NRFI picks. The Pirates and Reds (both 9-4 NRFI) are the top NRFI teams in baseball this season, with Cincy riding a streak of four straight scoreless innings. Pittsburgh has endured two NRFIs in a row.
Best of all, these offenses are down bad, both in the first-inning context and as a whole. The Pirates are batting a brutal .136 in the first inning this year, while the Reds come in with a .191 BA. Neither club can find any offense in the first.
For pitching matchups, Bailey Falter (PIT) and Brady Singer (CIN) are 2-0 on NRFIs to start the season. Pirates hitters have tagged Singer for a .306 BA in his career, though it accompanies a less problematic .389 SLG. Falter has started his season off poorly (8.10 ERA) but has somehow maintained a perfect first-inning record, yielding just one hit and no runs in seven at-bats.
Listen, these pitching matchups aren't perfect, but with both offenses in the toilet and very fair -110 odds, I'm in.
YRFI Pick Today: Blue Jays vs Orioles (+100 at Sportsbook)
Blue Jays vs. Orioles Odds – Game Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Baltimore is currently the best YRFI team in baseball at 10-3 with four consecutive YRFIs coming into this series opener vs Toronto. Baltimore's starting pitching has been an absolute gong show, forcing the club to play frequently from behind. While Toronto hasn't been a run-scoring juggernaut in the first inning (8-6 NRFI), the Jays faced Tomoyuki Sugano once already this year and picked up four hits and two runs.
I have some concerns about Sugano's command and composure right now. Plus, Jays starter Bowden Francis isn't a saint against the Orioles, who've hit him for a .556 SLG and an .838 OPS in 45 at-bats.
