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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Monday (5/5)

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Monday’s MLB slate features 10 games to start the baseball week. There are plenty of ways to go for our top No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks and predictions today. 

If you’re unfamiliar with NRFI bets, they’re pretty simple. We’re betting on whether or not any runs will be scored in the first inning by either team. Both starting pitchers must throw a scoreless first inning for the bet to cash. 

Let’s focus on the Padres vs. Yankees and the Mariners vs. Athletics matchups. Without further ado, let’s get to my favorite NRFI plays for Monday, May 5th.

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Monday’s Best MLB No Runs First Innings (NRFI) Picks

(All odds courtesy FanDuel Sportsbook)

San Diego Padres at New York Yankees 

Starting Pitchers: Nick Pivetta vs. Carlos Rodon

One of the better games on tonight's schedule features the Yankees hosting the Padres. Both offenses could make this an exciting Interleague series between two World Series contenders. Tonight, though, we're focusing on the starting pitchers who can combine for a scoreless opening frame. 

Padres starter Nick Pivetta is having an excellent season. He boasts a 1.78 ERA and 2.26 FIP with a 0.82 WHIP. The right-hander has also allowed one or zero runs in four of his six starts so far. 

Pivetta's dominance starts with excellent first-inning numbers. He's yet to allow a first-inning run through six starts with just a .143 batting average in the frame. Pivetta was also sharp in the first inning last season, with a 19-7 NRFI record and a .225 batting average against. Even against a dangerous Yankees offense on the road, Pivetta's track record and current form are hard to ignore. 

On the other side, New York starter Carlos Rodon is more of a wild card. Frankly, he's struggled in the first inning over the past two seasons. This year, though, Rodon has a 5-2 NRFI record with a .160 batting average allowed in his opening frames. 

With a 3.43 ERA and 3.01 xERA, Rodon is having his best season since 2022. Coincidentally, the southpaw posted some impressive NRFI numbers that year. He tossed a scoreless first inning in 26 of his 31 starts with a .184 batting average against. At least he has that former track record to trust despite some early-start struggles in recent years.

Pick: NRFI (-122)

Seattle Mariners at Athletics

Starting Pitchers: Bryce Miller vs. Luis Severino 

Our second NRFI pick today brings us to an American League West matchup as the Mariners host the Athletics. In this divisional clash, the pair of starting pitchers should anchor a scoreless first inning with both having strong track records. 

Athletics starter Luis Severino has a 5-2 NRFI record this year with four straight scoreless first innings coming into this outing. He's also allowed just a .154 batting average in the opening frame. That number is even more impressive since he's allowed three first-inning runs in two separate starts. 

Severino posted some elite first-inning stats last season. He had a dominant 29-2 NRFI record, including 20 straight scoreless first innings to end the campaign. Plus, the veteran right-hander had a 0.87 ERA and a .164 batting average allowed in the frame. 

Meanwhile, Mariners starter Bryce Miller owns a 5-1 NRFI record so far this season. He's held opponents to a .158 batting average in the first inning as well. This continues a trend from last year when the Seattle righty tossed a scoreless first frame in 26 of his 31 starts, including a .198 batting average against. Miller even had a 20-5 NRFI record in the 2023 season. 

Admittedly, the Athletics and Mariners have been two of the better first-inning offenses in the Majors this year. Yet, Severino and Miller can combine to hold things down, considering both of their individual NRFI stats. 

Pick: NRFI (-108)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:

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