It's Thursday, May 22, in MLB, so I've got a pair of NRFI bets. Today, I'm banking on good pitching beating good hitting in Game 1, then I'll play the opposite with a YRFI in Game 2.
NRFI Pick Today: Brewers vs Phillies (-115 at Sportsbook)
Brewers vs Phillies Odds – 6:45 p.m. ET
I'm leaning more into team offense numbers these days for my NRFI picks, as I find the offenses have slightly more impact than the starting pitchers. For example, over the last week, the Phillies rank 22nd in MLB with a .558 OPS in the first inning. The Brewers (.755) are slightly better at 16th, but this still marks a great NRFI bet at the current price.
Taijuan Walker (6-1 NRFI) isn't the most reliable fella on the hill, but he's done well against Milwaukee, holding active hitters to a .681 OPS in 32 at-bats.
The Phillies and Brewers have rattled off three and two straight NRFIs, respectively. I'm in for this bet.
NRFI Pick Today: Tigers vs Royals (-118 at Sportsbook)
Tigers vs Royals Odds – Game Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
The Royals are the best NRFI club in baseball right now, per our NRFI betting trends page, and I love this matchup Friday.
With the Royals offense unbearably bad in the first inning this past week (.507 OPS), I have little doubt that Tigers starter Casey Mize will get the job done. He's pitching in another massive ballpark at Kauffman Stadium, which should limit homer opportunities. Then we have Seth Lugo on the other hand, who makes his return from injury Friday to face a Detroit lineup he handles well. Active Tigers hitters bat just .212 off Lugo with a .662 OPS, suggesting his repertoire will be enough to stymie the best team in baseball.
Lock it in at -118.
