MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bet Odds & Picks: Thursday (8/15)
For those unaware, NRFI stands for No Runs First Inning. It's a popular betting market where gamblers wager on whether the first inning of an MLB game will end with zero runs scored by either team. Pretty simple. These bets heavily depend on the starting pitchers and consider factors like pitcher stats, team tendencies, ballpark conditions and weather.
Some teams consistently score early, while others struggle. NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. Second, some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. NRFI capitalizes on this.
Lastly, if you've done your research, NRFI bets can provide an edge over other markets. I'm here to help provide that edge. As always, shop around for the best odds and be on the lookout for any lineup changes or injury news. Let's get to it.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
Join our new MLB Betting Group to share bets and compete in leaderboards >>
Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Last Time: 2-0 | MLB Season: 21-13
Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers
Starting Pitchers: Bailey Ober vs. Cody Bradford
When it comes to first runs scored, the Twins and Rangers both rank in the top half of the league with over half a run scored a game on average in the first inning. But the respective starting pitchers’ splits should keep these teams at bay.
Bailey Ober is limiting opponents to a .199 batting average the first time around in games, especially early in counts. He's been even better of late with a sub-2.00 ERA in his last five games and a 1.38 ERA in August.
For Bradford, he performs a lot better at home, going 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA at Arlington. More importantly, in his five starts this year, he's allowed one first-inning earned run, good for a 1.80 ERA in the opening frame. Both offenses are solid but both pitchers are set for success here. Again be sure to shop around for the best odds but I love the odds here.
Pick: NRFI (-110 on FanDuel)
Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies
Starting Pitchers: Mitchell Parker vs. Zack Wheeler
The most difficult part of NRFI betting is when both sides are lopsided. The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the best teams in the league at scoring early-inning runs with 80 runs in the first inning this year, the third-highest in MLB. Compared to the Nationals, it's much better, as Washington only ranks 26th with 45 runs in the first frame.
Mitchell Parker is in his first year with the Nationals and his first-inning splits aren't great with a 4.35 ERA and 10 runs allowed. He struggles more on the road with his ERA jumping up a run and a half compared to at home. His last three games haven't been too great. If you want to risk it you can go with Phillies first-inning Moneyline. If either team is scoring, I am confident it will be Philadelphia at home.
Pick: Yes Runs First Inning/YRFI (-106 on ESPNBet)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: