Best NRFI Bets Today: Max Fried Takes the Ball in the Bronx

Friday's MLB slate gives us a few interesting opportunities for first inning betting. The pitching matchups are strong as many aces take the ball on Friday.

Logan Gilbert and Max Fried are two of the best in the game, and they’ll each pitch for their respective teams on Friday. I’m targeting a NRFI in both these games.

Looking for more MLB betting insights? Check our selection of the Best MLB Home Run Predictions Today.

Best NRFI Bets for Friday, August 7

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Rays vs. Mariners – Drew Rasmussen vs. Logan Gilbert (9:45 PM EST)

The Tampa Bay Rays have been battling to maintain their lead in the American League East. Seattle has been solid, but they're still battling to make the final Wild Card spot or sneak out a division win, making this August series critical.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-145) at DraftKings

Drew Rasmussen has quietly put together a strong season for Tampa Bay, and his numbers give us plenty of reasons to like the NRFI in this matchup. Rasmussen enters with a 10 5 record, a 2.91 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP across 117.1 innings.

The biggest number that stands out is the 20 walks Rasmussen has allowed compared to 122 strikeouts. He has done a good job limiting free passes, which is especially important when trying to avoid an early inning disaster.

Logan Gilbert brings a similar profile to the other side. The Seattle right hander is 8-6 with a 3.46 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP through 132.2 innings. He has fanned 139 batters.

Gilbert has allowed 103 hits, 28 walks and 17 home runs, but the sub 1.00 WHIP is the number that makes this matchup especially interesting. Both starters have shown an ability to limit baserunners, and that is exactly why I’m taking a NRFI in this game.

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Braves vs. Yankees – Tyler Mahle vs. Max Fried (7:05 PM EST)

The New York Yankees have blown their lead over the Red Sox for the final Wild Card spot. It won't be easy to grab a lead back as they face the Braves, so winning with Max Fried on the mound is critical.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-115) at DraftKings

Max Fried provides a major reason to take the NRFI. Fried owns a 3.12 ERA and an outstanding 0.99 WHIP through 75 innings.

The Yankees’ left hander has allowed only 51 hits and 23 walks while striking out 68 batters. He has surrendered just one home run all season, which is amazing.

Tyler Mahle has struggled more than Fried, carrying a 5.13 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 94.2 innings. He has allowed 95 hits, 37 walks and 14 home runs while striking out 89.

Mahle is obviously the weaker side of this pitching matchup, but if he can get through a struggling Yankees’ lineup, this NRFI will have life.

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Orioles vs. Rangers – Shane Baz vs. Nathan Eovaldi (8:15 PM EST)

The Orioles have sold many of their elite hitters, while the Rangers' offense has been very streaky this season. This is a good combination for a NRFI.

Pick: Under 0.5 First Inning Runs (-120) at DraftKings

Shane Baz enters this matchup with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 128.1 innings. He has allowed 131 hits and 45 walks, but has also recorded 111 strikeouts while giving up only nine home runs.

Nathan Eovaldi has been better at limiting baserunners, posting a 4.31 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP across 127.1 innings. He has struck out 135 batters while allowing 124 hits, 30 walks and 24 home runs.

Neither pitcher is having a dominant season, but the matchup still sets up well for a scoreless first inning. The offenses are inconsistent, giving this game plenty of value for the price.

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Best YRFI Bet

• Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks – Roki Sasaki vs. Merrill Kelly: This is the spot where I'm looking for runs early. Sasaki has a 4.98 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, while Kelly owns a 5.84 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. Both pitchers have struggled to consistently keep runners off base, making this the best YRFI matchup on the slate.

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