JP Sears enters the post-All-Star break schedule with momentum on his side as the Athletics face the Cleveland Guardians in what betting analysts identify as a prime NRFI (No Run First Inning) opportunity. The left-handed hurler has shown significantly better performance on the road this season, posting a 4.14 ERA away from home compared to a concerning 5.61 ERA at the Athletics' hitter-friendly temporary home park.
Sears finished the first half strong, allowing just three runs across 16.2 innings in his final three outings. The matchup looks particularly favorable as the Guardians have struggled against left-handed pitching throughout the season. Sears has typically performed best during his first time through opposing lineups, suggesting a clean first inning could be on the cards.
On the other side, Slade Cecconi takes the mound for Cleveland after impressing in his recent starts. The 26-year-old right-hander limited the Detroit Tigers to two runs over six innings and followed that by holding the Houston Astros to just two runs across seven frames in his last appearance before the break. Facing a less threatening Athletics lineup could set Cecconi up for early success.
Meanwhile, Brandon Walter and the Houston Astros visit the Seattle Mariners in another matchup that betting experts favor for a scoreless first inning. Walter, the 28-year-old southpaw, has provided solid production for Houston outside of two troublesome road outings. His final pre-break start showcased his potential, as he struck out seven batters while allowing just two baserunners over six innings.
Luis Castillo awaits the Astros despite experiencing a down year by his usual standards. The Mariners' right-hander has seen his strikeout numbers decline this season but showed improvement in his last two starts, collecting 14 strikeouts against just two walks while surrendering only three earned runs across 12 innings of work.
The Astros' offense has been notably less productive away from their home ballpark, and Seattle's pitcher-friendly confines could further suppress scoring in the early innings. Will these pitching matchups deliver the expected scoreless first frames? Baseball's second half begins with these intriguing confrontations.
