Some people like to sweat out a bet for 9 hard innings – others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with MLB NRFI and YRFI picks. And we’ve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our NRFI bets for April 5. Go here for MLB World Series odds.
Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. It’s easy to pick the best hitting team or look at what happened in the last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these NRFI and YRFI props for April 5. Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – April 5
Baltimore Orioles vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
First Pitch – 4:12 pm EST
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast – MLB TV
The Pirates are one of the six teams left in the MLB without a first inning run. Their offense has been mostly fine, coming in at 7.00 runs per game so far (2nd in the MLB). However, they have taken a while to get going in most games. It won’t help that Grayson Rodriguez is standing across from them. The 24-year old right hander mowed down the Angels in his season debut and gave us plenty of reason to be confident for the remainder of the year.
On the other side, there isn’t quite the dominance. For one, the Orioles have scored in 33.3% of their first innings this year, which is above their average for last season. So that will give us a little worry for the NRFI. However, they too will be facing a solid youngster for the Pirates in Jared Jones. The 22-year old did give up 3 runs in his debut, but was solid (and scoreless) through 3+ until his pitch count got up and he started seeing people a second time. He should be solid enough to keep the Orioles lineup at bay early.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 5: No (-125)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Colorado Rockies
First Pitch – 4:10 pm EST
Coors Field – Denver, Colorado
Broadcast – MLB TV
You have to be a little hesitant taking a NRFI in Colorado. Their team hasn’t been a beacon of hope and their stadium is juiced to score runs in. However, Tampa Bay hasn’t exactly been slugging on the year – in the first inning or otherwise. They have runs in the first inning just 28.6% of the time and they are only scoring 3.71 runs per game (22nd in the MLB). Sure, Austin Gomber got smacked around by the Diamondbacks in his first start this year – giving up two in the first – but that Arizona offense is running on all cylinders.
On the other side, the NRFI looks more sure. Colorado is another of the six teams that haven’t scored in the first inning yet. Meanwhile, Zack Littell pitched six scoreless innings to kick off the year, allowing just four hits in the process. So if you are looking for that NRFI, you basically only have to worry about the Rays here.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for April 5: No (+140) 
If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI picks for April 5, check out the MLB Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar with their MLB picks today.
