When betting on baseball, few props offer the quick thrill and strategic nuance of the MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wager. It’s a bet that’s over in six outs - or sooner if things go sideways - and hinges on a delicate mix of strong pitching, quiet bats and a bit of early-inning luck. Below are my top MLB NRFI picks for Friday, July 18th.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Friday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
This Season: 21-24 | Last Week: 3-0 | Odds courtesy of Fanatics Sportsbook
San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals
Starting Pitchers: Dylan Cease vs. Michael Soroka
This Padres-Nationals matchup offers a great mix of slow-starting offenses with starting pitchers that have fared well in the NRFI category this season. Both pitchers have recorded an NRFI result in more than 70% of games this season. Soroka comes into this one with an 85% NRFI record, while Cease is at 74%.
Play: NRFI (-125)
Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Starting Pitchers: Charlie Morton vs. Taj Bradley
For this one, we’re betting on two of the worst first-inning offenses in the Majors to again not score. The Orioles have a 77% NRFI hit rate and the Rays are at 75%. Both are ranked in the top 10. Morton has a 79% NRFI hit rate while Bradley is just sneaking over 50%.
Play: NRFI (-115)
Give me a follow on X for more betting, DFS, and fantasy content @GUMP7285.