New York Yankees 1B Ben Rice continues to power the Bronx Bombers in superstar Aaron Judge's (ribs) absence. He looks to provide some post-Independence Day fireworks against the Minnesota Twins and cash a YRFI. We also like the YRFI between the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals. The lone NRFI features the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.
It's a typical Sunday with most games taking place during the day before the Sunday Night Baseball game. Get those bets in early.
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Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees YRFI (-120)
The YRFI has cashed in both games of the series thus far. We saw a modest seven runs scored Friday before the bats came alive with 15 Saturday. RHP Joe Ryan goes for Minnesota at 5-5 with a 3.61 ERA. In the first, his ERA rises to 4.15. For the Yanks, LHP Ryan Weathers toes the mound at 3-6 with a 4.08 ERA. He struggles in the first, though, with a 6.75 ERA.
Philadelphia Phillies at Kansas City Royals YRFI (+105)
Phillies RHP Aaron Nola goes Sunday at 3-5 with a 6.04 ERA. He has been decent in the first with a 3.08 ERA. He has been scored on in the first in two of three starts, though. RHP Luinder Avila goes for KC, and he's 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA. His first-inning numbers are eye-popping. Opponents hit .394 against him and have scored 14 runs in seven first frames.
Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers NRFI (-110)
Tigers RHP Casey Mize picked a great time for a breakout season at 3-5 with a 2.63 ERA. The 29-year-old is in a contract year. He has yet to give up an earned run in the first two innings of a game in 12 starts. Opponents hit just .132 off him in the first. Opposing him is young Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker. He's 2-6 with a 3.83 ERA and has delivered two great starts in a row. His first-inning numbers are alarming with a 9.00 ERA, but he has kept it clean in two of three starts.
What Does NRFI and YRFI Mean in Baseball?
The term NRFI indicates no runs scored in the first inning. Its opposite, YRFI, indicates yes, a run will be scored in the first inning. It doesn't matter if the run qualifies as an earned run or not. If a run crosses the plate in the first inning for either team, the wager loses for the NRFI side and wins for the YRFI side.
