If it's Tuesday, it must be NRFI time!

We have a few days off from the NFL, giving us a chance to return to the MLB market and replenish our bankroll before Week 3 begins on Thursday. We're taking Tuesday's slate in a different direction, looking at the No Runs First Inning, or NRFI market. You may have seen the popularity of this bet type, and it's exactly what it sounds like: you're betting on no runs being scored after one inning. There are four games today that look good for exactly this based on some trends.

Blue Jays-Phillies under 0.5 runs in the first inning (+100 FD)

Tonight will see Ross Stripling and Kyle Gibson toe the rubber in this interleague contest. In 21 starts this year, Stripling's been involved in a NRFI at an 81% rate (17-4). On the road, his NRFI record is 8-2. Kyle Gibson has similar numbers. At home he is 14-2 to the NRFI (88%) and overall, he's 23-5 against the under 0.5 in the first inning. 

Those are two terrific rates, and it gets even better when you look at the teams overall and not just their pitchers. Toronto NRFIs have hit at a 69% rate this season and Philly's NRFI rate is 73%. Seeing such a convergence of numbers has us feeling good about both teams starting off with a 0-0 first inning, and we get it at even-money on FanDuel.

Twins-Royals under 0.5 runs in the first inning (+104 FD)

On the year, Minnesota has been a part of a NRFI 67% of the time, and Kansas City is slightly better at 73%. Both of those rates stay steady for their locations tonight.

On the mound this evening we have Dylan Bundy for the Twins, who has gone under 0.5 in the first inning in 11 of his 15 road starts and 77% overall on the season. Greinke's NRFI rate is a sterling 11-0 at home and 83% across 23 starts. These are two pitchers we want to back to take care of business at the top of the order.

Parlay: Astros/Rays NRFI & Mariners/Athletics NRFI (+159 FD)

We certainly understand why both of these games have NRFI odds so juiced, both in the -170 to -180 range. Instead of betting at that price, we'll combine the two outcomes at +159.

Houston pitcher Christian Javier's NRFI rate is 82% on the road and 73% on the season, while Shane McClanahan's dominance this season has helped lead to a 13-3 NRFI record at home and a 75% rate on the season. Both offenses have also struggled to generate early scoring: the Astros have been involved in a NRFI in 65% of their games this season and the Rays' NRFI rate is 72% through their 146 games played.

Seattle and Oakland both have team NRFI rates north of 68% on the year, and tonight's starters bring this over the edge. Luis Castillo for the Mariners is 8-3 on the road when it comes to going under 0.5 runs in the first, and 77% across his 22 starts. The Athletics' pitcher, JP Sears has registered a NRFI in 88% of his home starts, only once being involved in a first inning that allowed a run in ten starts.

Good luck and enjoy your day of MLB, let's see how following the best percentages on the board does today!

In the news ...

Bills and Eagles dominate on Monday night —Two teams who had plenty of offseason buzz are delivering early, as Buffalo and Philadelphia both cruised to MNF wins and a 2-0 start. The Bills demolished the Titans 41-7 for their second straight blowout win. The preseason Super Bowl favorite is even more so now, currently +400 to win the Super Bowl. On the back of three touchdowns and nearly 400 total yards from quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles won comfortably over the Vikings, 24-7. Philly is now +1200 to win the Super Bowl, and Hurts is +800 to win NFL MVP, the third-best odds.

Mets clinch postseason spot, third team to do so — The Mets are back in the postseason for the first time since 2016 after picking up their 94th win of the season. New York still has the NL East to battle for, but they join the Dodgers and Astros as the only teams to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Mets are +500 to win the World Series, the third-best odds in the league.

Mike Evans suspended one game — After an on-field brawl centered around Saints corner Marshon Lattimore, Bucs star receiver Mike Evans has been suspended for one game. Tampa Bay is short on receiver talent, with Chris Godwin and Julio Jones battling some injuries. The team signed Cole Beasley to their practice squad, with the veteran slot receiver very likely to suit up on Sunday. Tampa Bay is favored by 2.5-points at home against Green Bay this Sunday.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll