The Phillies and the Mets gave us an early pitchers’ duel so that we could cash our NRFI plays. We’ll look to ride that momentum into Friday. We have some NRFI bets for September 18.
Friday is back to a full docket of games with just about a week to go in the season. We’ll dig through it all to find the diamonds on the diamond. Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.
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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – September 18
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
First Pitch – 6:40 pm EST
Great American Ballpark – Cincinnati, OH
Broadcast – MLB TV
The Cubs have first ups in this game, and while they have the best run scoring in the league, they lag behind in the first inning. They rank 13th in first inning run scoring. That’s already a good sign for NRFI bettors and then you add in that Chase Burns will be the one looking to prolong their issues. He’s sporting a 2.80 ERA on the year and ranks 16th in the majors in strikeouts. Over his last three starts, he’s allowed just four earned runs and he should get out of the first inning quickly here.
Cincinnati is struggling a lot more at the plate than the Cubs. They rank 26th in the majors in run scoring and have somehow been worse than that lately. Over the last five games, they’ve put up just 13 total runs (or 2.60 runs per game). That’s unlikely to improve with Clay Holmes on the bump. He’s allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. His ground ball numbers are also way up, which should help limit any chances of an early home run for the Reds as well.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for September 18: No (TBD)
Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
First Pitch – 6:40 pm EST
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast – MLB TV
The Royals are another team we’re looking to fade at the plate. They are in the bottom third of the league in scoring and have also been sinking like a stone. With players resting a touch more than usual, they’ve put up just 12 runs in their last five games. That 2.40 runs per game has them at the bottom of the league in that span. Paul Skenes will be looking to capitalize on those issues. While people are down on him this year, he has posted a 2.74 ERA in his last four appearances – which includes a pair of scoreless starts.
The Pirates were once one of the scarier offenses in the league. However, they have faltered down the stretch. With under 4.00 runs per game in the last week, they are well below average. That’s be music to the ears of the bespectacled Randy Dobnak. He carries a 2.73 ERA into Friday’s action. Plus, he’s held his opponents to three or less runs in five of his last six starts. If he dials in here, he should be able to give us a clean first frame.
NRFI/YRFI Bet for September 18: No (TBD)
Bonus Pick: Braves/Astros NRFI (TBD)
Looking to put together a three-pick parlay? This extra play may just be the piece that you’re looking for. Throw it together with the other two to net a three-pick parlay.
If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI and YRFI picks for September 18, 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.
