No Run First Inning: Today’s NRFI Best Bets & Picks
Contents
The No Run First Inning Bet has become wildly popular among MLB betting. It is often abbreviated as NRFI and you can find these on a number of sportsbooks. It is pretty simple, you are wagering on whether there will be a run scored by either team in the first inning. Our MLB experts will help guide you to finding the best value for no run first inning games available each day.
No Run First Inning (NRFI) Odds
Today’s NRFI Picks
Our MLB experts will find their favorite no run first inning picks for the day or night slate. At this time we cannot provide the first inning odds on the board above, but clicking through a game will bring you to the sportsbook page where you can find the odds. No run first inning odds will be provided below with each pick.
Updated: 5/10/22 – 8:53 PM ET
Miami Marlins vs Arizona Diamondbacks: NRFI (-150 or better)
- Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
- 3:40 p.m. EST
These are two of my favorite pitchers in the game right now.
I’ve been the symbolic torch bearer for Sandy Alcantara since he arrived in the league. He’s just a workhorse – a pitcher who can hit triple-digits on his fastball even after leading MLB in innings pitched.
As a result, Alcantara is generally solid to back as an NRFI pitcher. This season, he’s 5-2 to that mark, but I’m expecting positive regression for a guy that posted a 2.18 first-frame ERA over a league-leading 33 starts last season.
Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about Merrill Kelly, who is currently rolling to the tune of a 1.22 ERA over 37 innings. He’s due for some slight negative regression, but his 1.2 fWAR still shows just how effective he’s been.
The most impressive part about Kelly’s game so far? He has yet to allow a home run. That’s beautiful to back for an NRFI, considering the solo home run shot is the worst way to lose these bets.
Kelly is also 5-2 to the NRFI this season. And he shouldn’t have to worry about a Miami offense that’s 29th in first-inning runs per game this season (.21).
Arizona is only moderately better in that stat, ranking 26th (.27). And the Diamondbacks actually score less in the first frame at Chase Field (.25).
All-in-all, everything is coming together for this one. I’d bet it at -150 or better.
Philadelphia Phillies vs Seattle Mariners: NRFI (-125 or better)
- T-Mobile Park, Seattle, Washington
- 3:40 p.m. EST
For all his struggles the past two seasons, there’s only one Aaron Nola stat that matters to me: Nola is 6-0 to the NRFI this season.
And Nola continues to be due for some positive regression. That Phillies infield defense continues to make Nola underperform his expected statistics, as he pairs a 3.38 ERA with a 2.56 xFIP.
Meanwhile, there’s no reason to worry about Logan Gilbert. His 1.36 ERA over 33 innings this season has him in the Cy Young conversation. And while he’s due for some slight negative regression (3.45 xFIP), Gilbert is 5-1 to the NRFI this season.
These are two teams that are top-10 in first-inning runs per game this season. But Seattle’s offense is lost in the woods (80 wRC+ over the last seven days) and Philadelphia’s offense has to deal with Gilbert.
Because of these two offenses’ ability to put up first-inning runs, make sure you clearly line shop. We need -125 or better to make this a viable play, and I’d much prefer -120 or better.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Los Angeles Angels: NRFI (-120 or better)
- Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
- 7:07 p.m. EST
Shohei Ohtani is locking in. He just tossed seven scoreless against the Red Sox while striking out 11 and walking none. He’s moved to 3-2 on the season to the NRFI.
Shohei’s also generally better at home. He’s pitched to a 2.57 first-inning ERA in 27 starts at Angel Stadium, providing us with plenty of evidence to lock this in.
Meanwhile, Shane McClanahan is your prototypical Rays pitcher. The Rays took a rather unproven guy, got him to shove balls in the zone, and he’s seen immediate success. Through six starts this year, he’s striking out a whopping 13 batters per nine innings. And while his ERA is hovering around 3.00, his xFIP is down at 1.79.
McClanahan is only going to improve. He’s also 4-2 to the NRFI this season, with two of those clean first frames coming on the road.
It’s so tough to fade these two lineups. But the Angels have to slow down eventually, and the Rays are running right into the Ohtani train.
As a result of the offensive firepower, it’s very important to find a good line. Look for something in the -110 to -120 range.
Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves: NRFI (-135 or better)
- Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- 7:20 p.m. EST
In the past, the Red Sox lineup is usually dominant. It was tough to bet an NRFI with them last season, especially since they led MLB in first-inning runs per game (.72).
However, whenever I was targeting a Boston NRFI, it was with Nathan Eovaldi on the mound.
Eovaldi is the unquestioned ace of the Boston staff, and he continues to shove year over year. His FIP is generally extremely low, as he’s always punching guys out, rarely walks hitters, and avoids the long ball.
He’s had some trouble this season, but I’m expecting him to come around. In fact, Eovaldi already has. After allowing two first-inning runs in his first two starts, Eovaldi is 4-0 to the NRFI since with some dominating performances.
And we don’t have to worry about either offense today. Respectively, the Red Sox and Braves are 22nd (.41) and 24th (.30) in first-inning runs per game in 2022. The Braves’ lineup has at least been respectable (99 wRC+), but the Red Sox have been pitiful in all offensive aspects.
Opposing the Red Sox will be Ian Anderson, who has pitched relatively poorly this season. However, he won’t have to worry about this Boston offense, and he’s still 4-1 to the NRFI this season.
With a couple of overvalued offenses and two solid pitchers, this is an excellent spot to target value on an NRFI. I’ll bet it at -135 or better.
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No Run First Inning Betting NRFI FAQ
- What Are No Run First Inning Props?
- How Do I Find No Run First Inning Props?
- Does An Unearned Run Still Count For No Run First Inning?
- What Does NRFI Stand For?
- What Should I Look For When Betting No Run First Innings?
- Can I Parlay No Run First Inning Bets?
What Are No Run First Inning Props?
No run first inning props and yes run first inning props are a bet where the user can place a wager on whether there will or will not be a run scored by either team in the first inning.
How Do I Find No Run First Inning Props?
To find no run first inning props, you can find them within single game sections on each sportsbook. They are often titled something along the lines of 1st inning total runs, Any run in 1st inning, or first inning total.
Does An Unearned Run Still Count For No Run First Innings?
Yes, any run scored whether it is unearned or earned will count towards scoring a run. If you bet the under on first inning runs and an unearned run is scored, your bet will be graded as a loss.
What Does NRFI Stand For?
The abbreviation for no run first inning is NRFI. This is an easier way of spelling it out and has become the common phrase for when referring to this type of bet.
What Should I Look For When Betting No Run First Innings?
Look into starting pitchers who limit baserunners and the longball. A high strikeout rate will also go a long way in being successful. Also, look into the opposing lineup that might have guys in or out, or don’t have a ton of pop to start off the game.
Can I Parlay No Run First Inning Bets?
Yes, most sportsbooks will let you parlay no run first inning bets. This can be a way to stack your odds or create a better value between 2+ bets with short odds.
