Today's NRFI Selections: Steering Clear of Batting and Running Actions

Got my sports game cap on again, baby! Two NRFI picks for today's MLB action. Let's dive in.

NRFI Pick Today: Mariners vs. Reds (-120 at Sportsbook)

Mariners vs Reds Odds - Game Time: 12:40 p.m. ET

We're giving the Mariners and Reds another shot at a scoreless first inning after Tuesday's YRFI left us hungry. Taking to the mound for Cincinnati is Brady Singer (3-0 NRFI this season), hoping to keep his impressive starts rolling. Seattle sends up Emerson Hancock, who's held his own in his early outings.

The Reds are batting a paltry .161 in the first inning, while the Mariners aren't much better at .229. Couple that with the pitchers' performances, and this matchup seems primed for an NRFI.

NRFI Pick Today: Cardinals vs. Mets (-115 at Sportsbook)

Cardinals vs Mets Odds - Game Time: 7:10 p.m. ET

Griffin Canning (3-1 NRFI record to start the season) takes the mound for the Mets, while Andre Pallante hops up for the Cardinals. Canning's been a bit iffy the first time facing batters, ranking as the MLB's worst in slugging percentage allowed (.527-.561) and OPS (.871-.882) since 2024. His command has been shaky, with a measly 59% strike rate (MLB's lowest) and plenty of hard contact.

These numbers suggest a higher risk for no-run first inning bets. But Canning's managed to eke out a 3-1 record in 2025 by keeping the damage minimal.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, have struggled offensively in the first inning, batting just .203. Pallante hasn't got much data out there, butTypical metrics like first-pitch strike percentage, early-count swing rates, and career splits by inning would help inform an NRFI analysis for Pallante.

Data sources: BetMGM, RotoWire

The Mariners and Reds game at 12:40 p.m. ET is our second NRFI pick for today's MLB action, with odds of -120 at Sportsbook.
Both teams, the Mariners (.229) and Reds (.161), have poor first inning batting percentages, and the pitching matchup of Brady Singer and Emerson Hancock could further contribute to an NRFI.
In the evening game between the Cardinals and Mets at 7:10 p.m. ET, Griffin Canning's shaky command and higher risk for no-run first inning bets make an NRFI pick an interesting choice, despite the Mets' pitcher's impressive 3-1 NRFI record in 2025.
Data on Pallante's pitching style, such as first-pitch strike percentage, early-count swing rates, and career splits by inning, would help inform an NRFI analysis for the Cardinals' starting pitcher.