We have an NL Central clash between the Cubs and Pirates on Tuesday, and it should be a pitcher's duel between Shota Imanaga and Andrew Heaney.
My MLB picks are betting on no runs to be scored in the first inning of that game but expect early runs in two other NL contests tonight. Here are my best NRFI bets and YRFI bets for April 29.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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NRFI (-108 at ProphetX)
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YRFI (-113 at ProphetX)
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YRFI (-136 at ProphetX)
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NRFI/YRFI bets for April 29
Cubs at Pirates: NRFI (-108 at ProphetX)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are sending red-hot Andrew Heaney to the hill for tonight's clash with the Chicago Cubs. Heaney has a 1.72 ERA with an xERA of 2.83 through five starts.
Chicago responds with sophomore Shota Imanaga. Imanaga had an excellent rookie season in 2024 and while he's had a couple of rough outings this year, he still has a solid 3.18 ERA with an OBA of. 200 through five starts. He has also allowed just four hits across 14 scoreless innings in his career against the Pirates.
The Cubs plate a run in the first inning just 24.1% of the time — the sixth-lowest number in the majors. Meanwhile, the weak-hitting Pirates are 27th in OPS (.644) and 25th in scoring (3.52 runs per game).
Diamondbacks at Mets: YRFI (-113 at ProphetX)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are third in the majors in OPS (.780) and team run first inning percentage (39.3%).
Meanwhile, the New York Mets are ninth in OPS (.732) while sitting in the Top 3 in hard-hit rate and average exit velocity. They also bat .263 against southpaws and the D-Backs will have lefty Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound tonight.
Rodriguez has a 4.40 ERA in five starts this year and has pitched to a 5.40 ERA with an OBA of .286 in the first inning. He also had a mediocre 5.04 ERA in 10 starts with Arizona last season.
The Mets are also starting a lefty in David Peterson, and while he has a solid 3.29 ERA, his expected ERA is at 4.38. In addition, it will be a windy evening at Citi Field with wind blowing towards the outfield at 22 mph during the start of tonight's game.
Braves at Rockies: YRFI (-136 at ProphetX)
The Atlanta Braves were ice-cold at the dish to begin the year but have turned things around. They are plating 5.7 runs per game with an OPS of .808 over the last 10 games after averaging 3.39 runs per game with an OPS of .674 before.
They should crush the ball tonight at hitter-friendly Coors Field. The Colorado Rockies are sending German Marquez and his 9.30 ERA to the mound. Marquez has been shredded in the first inning, where he has pitched to a 17.36 ERA with an OBA of .391.
That said, the Braves don't have a listed starter and are digging deep into their rotation with both Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Strider on the IL. They'll likely send a mediocre arm to the mound, which is far from ideal at elevation.
The Rockies have a terrible lineup but even they can score at Coors Field, where they plate a run in the first frame 30.8% of the time.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
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