Javan Shouey
Following our 2-0 YRFI/NRFI article from Friday where we saw scoreless first innings in the Cleveland and Seattle, we are looking to run it back with 2 more winners on Sunday. There are several intriguing matchups today with numerous quality starters taking the mound, so let’s dive in!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Royals vs Marlins – NRFI (-135)
Odds available at Caesars sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -145 odds.
Kris Bubic has had an outstanding season so far for the Kansas City Royals, producing a 2.48 ERA with a 2.75 FIP in his first 108.2 innings pitched. His strikeout production and ground ball nature have been strong run prevention tools, and his production has helped the Royals stay afloat to this point in the season. Bubic has been strong to start games with a scoreless first inning in 15 of his 18 starts this season. While all 3 of his misses were on the road, I am a fan of his matchup today with the Miami Marlins. Miami is a lackluster offense overall, and despite the surge from Kyle Stowers this is a lineup that Bubic can pitch well against. His out recorded line is set at 17.5 with juice as high as -148 towards the over while his full game earned run prop is set at 1.5.
Janson Junk has been converted back into a starter with the Miami Marlins and recent results have been extremely encouraging. With a name like Junk as a pitcher we can expect multiple non-fastball pitches to be in his repertoire, and this is true with Janson who utilizes 5 pitches with only 1 being a fastball. I prefer pitchers that have multiple fastballs personally, but it is hard to argue with Junk’s recent results. His 3 starts so far this month have resulted in 19 innings with only 2 earned runs surrendered against the Twins, Reds, and Orioles. Kansas City has largely been a quiet offense this season and I expect a scoreless start to this contest.
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Reds vs Mets – NRFI (-125)
Odds available at FanDuel sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -135 odds.
Another NRFI I like on today’s slate of games comes in the Reds vs Mets matchup in New York. Hitting conditions are favorable in New York today, so I would like to avoid a long fly ball early on in this matchup, but I have faith in these starting pitchers. Andrew Abbott has made 16 starts so far this season while allowing a first-inning run just once. It came on a home run which is always possible when facing this Mets lineup, but Abbott has been one of the stronger southpaw starters in baseball this season. The Mets have also been better offensively when facing right-handed pitching this season and I expect Abbott to start well in this game.
David Peterson is set to start for the Mets in this spot, marking his 19th outing of the year. In his first 18 starts the lefty has allowed a first-inning run just twice, and I like his chances of avoiding the third time in his matchup with the Reds this afternoon. Cincinnati is a patient offense that is more than willing to draw walks, and that can be Peterson’s weakness. That being said, I think Peterson can get out of damage today and is set up well for some decent strikeout production. We just need 6 outs, and I think these all-stars can get that for us.
