MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – July 20

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 July 20. 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 July 20. Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.

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MLB NRFI and YRFI Picks – July 20

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

First Pitch – 6:40 pm EST
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast – MLB TV

It’s a steep ask to expect someone to limit the Phillies, even if that is just for one inning. That’s especially true a day after they put up a three-spot in the first inning. However, Luis Ortiz may just be the man for the job. Like so many teams this season, the Pirates experimented moving their reliever to a spot in the starting rotation. It’s worked like a charm as he has three starts and has allowed just one earned run in each of them. That gives him a 1.53 ERA as a starting pitcher with 17 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. If anyone is going to get this tough Phillies lineup out, it will be him.

The bottom of the first needs far less justification for me. For one, Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t nearly as scary. They rank 24th in first inning runs on the year and are just a touch better over the course of the game. Additionally, they’ll face All-Star pitcher Christopher Sanchez. He’s held four of his last five opponents to two or fewer runs (if you don’t count his scoreless outing in the midsummer classic). Two of those starts were scoreless, which included a complete game shutout against the Marlins. he shouldn’t have any issues bringing the NRFI home for us.

NRFI/YRFI Bet for July 20: No (-110)

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals

First Pitch – 6:45 pm EST
Nationals Park – Washington, DC
Broadcast – MLB TV

While Cincinnati has a middle of the pack offense, they are far worse early in the game. They rank 27th in first inning runs, which is largely due to their high team strikeout rate.  You can expect those strikeouts to keep coming with MacKenzie Gore on the hill. He got hit around a few times before the break, but some of that was due to running into hot teams. His strikeout numbers stayed high and the peripheral numbers still look good. With the break and a much easier opponent, he should be able to start the NRFI for us here.

I always like finding an NRFI spot with the Nationals in it. For some reason, this team cannot find it’s footing in the first inning. They rank dead last in the majors with just 0.27 runs per game. They’ve scored just one first inning run in their last five games, which is a bit below the aforementioned rate. Now Nick Lodolo will look to keep that going. He’s been solid lately, with three earned runs or less in seven of his last eight starts. He had a 2.73 ERA across June and the Nationals shouldn’t shake him up too much here.

NRFI/YRFI Bet for July 20: No (-130)

If you’d like even more info to help make your NRFI picks for July 20, 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.