It's a short slate, but that's not going to stop me from placing a couple of NRFI picks today. The first will actually be a YRFI pick, for Canada Day between Houston and Toronto, while my NRFI Pick is on the Washington vs New York game.

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YRFI Pick Today: Houston vs Toronto (-115)

Runs could be plentiful for Canada Day up North as the Blue Jays host the Astros — especially in the first inning. It has been a house of horror's for Hunter Brown trying to get out of the first this season, sporting an ugly 10.43 ERA with 17 runs allowed in 14.2 first innings this season. 

Brown has had success against the Jays lineup, allowing just three hits over 18 AB's, but all three of those hits left the ballpark. Combine this with the offensive boom of late for Jays, averaging 6.5 runs per game over the last week, and scored at least one run in the first inning in three of the last four games. Get the fans into it early at the Rogers Center with a YRFI bet cashed.

NRFI Pick Today: New York vs Washington (-125)

Let's celebrate Bobby Bonilla day by cashing in on a Nationals vs Mets NRFI bet at -125. Hard not just autoplay Washington for this market daily as they have a NRFI record of 57-26 this season, including 25-11 at home and have scored an average of just 0.23 runs per first inning.

Furthering my love for this pick today is the two men on the hill. David Peterson gets the ball for New York and has perfect 0.00 ERA in the first inning through five starts in 2024, allowing just four base runners over 19 plate appearances. Meanwhile, the Nats counter with MacKenzie Gore who has a sparkling 1.69 ERA in the first inning over his 16 trips to the mound this year, including 26 K's. Gore did get roughed up by Mets in early June (6 ER over 4.1 innings) but that came after a blanked first inning. Let's not overthink it NRFI pick locked and loaded!