Best NRFI Bets Today: Back Zack Wheeler Against the Astros

In a battle between two division leaders, expect no early runs to be scored between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies as both elite offenses are set to face off against two productive pitchers. After that takes place, we turn our attention towards the nightcap between Tampa Bay and Seattle as the Mariners' anemic offense continues to make them the perfect team to fade for our daily NRFI series.

Find more information about the NRFI market in our breakdown of Daily No Run First Inning Bets.

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Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Ronel Blanco vs. Zack Wheeler (6:41 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-125) at FanDuel

After a horrific start to their year that saw them at the bottom of the AL West standings, the Houston Astros enter the last month of play with a four-game lead for first over the Seattle Mariners. An incredible turnaround for a team that looked like their season was over before it really even started. Maintaining their lead in the division is crucial as they are still comfortably behind the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals for a wildcard spot.

Should the Astros want to secure their spot in the playoffs by winning the division, then their defense will need to continue to play at a high rate. Their defense was the cause for their slow start earlier in the season, starting the year ranked well below league average in Team Total Pitching ERA and Defensive Efficiency. Since giving their offense the production they needed, the Astros have become a well-rounded unit and a viable contender for the World Series title. 

Every bit of their defensive production will be needed in their contest against Philadelphia as the Phillies come into the contest ranked near the top of the board in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage. Fortunately for Houston, starting pitcher Ronel Blanco excels at avoiding opposing contact as he takes the mound with an ERA of 3.14, a WHIP of 1.061, just 91 Hits Against, and 48 Earned Runs Allowed.

On the other side of the field, the Phillies NL Cy Young contender Zack Wheeler looks to chip away at the gap between him and current award leader Chris Sale. Wheeler has been masterful in his efforts of limiting opposing offensive production this season, entering the contest with an ERA of 2.73 and a WHIP of 0.983. His elite individual production is crucial in this matchup as he is tasked with the job of masking their league-average mark in Defensive Efficiency.

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Seattle Mariners - Ryan Pepiot vs. Bryce Miller (9:41 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-150) at FanDuel

After the conclusion of our first NRFI, we turn our attention towards the nightcap between the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners as both struggling offenses are set to face off against a pair of productive pitchers. Offensive production has been non-existent for both units this season, entering the contest ranked well below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage.

The Mariners' offensive woes have been especially disappointing for their fans as their lack of production has been the main cause for their fall down the AL West standings. To make matters worse, their struggles are poised to persist as they are set to face off against the Rays' Ryan Pepiot. Pepiot has excelled at limiting the number of opposing runners on base and in scoring position, taking the mound with a WHIP of 1.064 and ERA of 3.65.

As for the Mariners' defense, they have continued to play at an elite level as they currently rank first overall in Defensive Efficiency and Team Total Pitching ERA. Starting pitcher Bryce Miller has played a key role in their productive marks on defense this season, entering the contest with an ERA of 3.32, a WHIP of 1.016, and an FIP of 3.68. With the Rays top of their order as vulnerable as ever since trading away Randy Arozarena, expect Miller to make quick work of their offense in the first inning.

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