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, August 1st
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
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Friday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
This Season: 23-26 | Last Week: 1-1
Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Starting Pitchers: Michael Wacha vs. Kevin Gausman
By now, you should expect to see the Royals record a scoreless first inning with Michael Wacha on the mound. He comes into Friday with a 95% NRFI hit rate. On the other side, Kevin Gausman has an NRFI in seven of his last 10 starts. The Blue Jays’ offense ranks fifth with a 78% NRFI hit rate, while the Royals are 19th at 71%.
Play: NRFI (-130 at Fanatics Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Starting Pitchers: Clayton Kershaw vs. Shane Baz
We have the second-highest scoring first-inning offense in the Dodgers, who are facing a dominant NRFI pitcher in Shane Baz. Baz has a 90% NRFI hit rate on the season and over his last 10 starts. On the other side, we have an all-time great in Clayton Kershaw, who has produced an NRFI in four of his previous five starts, facing a Rays offense ranked sixth with a 75% NRFI hit rate. We’re getting this one at plus money.
Play: NRFI (+102 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres
Starting Pitchers: Matthew Liberatore vs. Nick Pivetta
This game features two offenses ranked in the top 10 for NRFI hit rates, with two pitchers that have NRFI hit rates over 70% for the season. You won’t find many better matchups than this one. Both Matthew Liberatore and Nick Pivetta have recorded scoreless first innings in four of their previous five starts.
Play: NRFI (-125 at Fanatics Sportsbook)
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