MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (9/16)
A great way to get in on the betting action in MLB is No Runs First Inning bets, also known as NRFI. This is a bet on whether or not teams will score runs in the first inning of their matchup. Let’s take a look at our top No Runs First Inning picks for Saturday.
Saturday’s Best NRFI Prop Bets
Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians
Dane Dunning vs. Tanner Bibee
The Texas Rangers were completely lost against Lucas Giolito last night. Giolito pitched seven shutout innings, only giving up two while striking out 12.
With the way Giolito's season has been going, you would have thought it would get ugly, but Giolito has had their number. Current members on the Rangers rosters have a combined .195 batting average against Giolito in their careers.
I'd expect a big bounce back game for the Rangers' hitters today.
Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee gets the nod today. Bibee is 10-4 with a 3.03 ERA. Despite the respectable ERA, Bibee has gotten into some trouble in the 1st inning.
In his 11 home starts, Bibee has allowed a first inning in five of those starts, including his last two.
Dane Dunning is getting the start for the Rangers. Dunning is 10-6 with a 3.91 ERA. Despite a great start to the 2023 season for the Rangers' starter, it has been a rocky road over the last 30 days. Dunning has a 1-2 record with an 8.14 ERA in his previous five appearances. Opponents are batting .333 while allowing seven home runs.
Both offenses should have an excellent chance of putting a run on the board in the first inning. Bet the YRFI
YRFI -105
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals
J.P. France vs. Cole Raggans
Since Joining the Royals, Cole Raggans has been impressive. Raggans is 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA and 94 strikeouts. Before his last outing against the Blue Jays, he went three straight games without allowing a run.
At Kauffman Stadium, he has been even better. He has a 4-2 record with a 2.41 ERA. Opponents are hitting a measly .201 against him in his home stadium.
Cole has yet to give up a first-inning run in 2023.
On the flip side, the Astros are starting J. P. France. You could argue that France has been the Astros' best starting pitcher in 2023. He is 11-5 with a 3.61 ERA and has been far better on the road.
France is 6-2 with a 2.60 ERA, while opponents are batting .249. France has a NRFI record of 6-4 on the road, a 60% hit rate.
NRFI -110
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