MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Saturday (4/4)
The MLB season is in full swing, and we have another loaded slate of baseball ahead of us on Saturday. If you can find some time between the Final Four games on the college hardwood, make sure to throw a few bucks on these No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wagers to get in on the action. Here are my top NRFI plays for Saturday, April 4th.
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Saturday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
St. Louis Cardinals (+135) vs. Detroit Tigers (-163) | O/U 7.5 (-105/-115)
Saturday's MLB slate gets started in Motown, and that's where I'm locking in my first NRFI play. This Cardinals (4-3) vs. Tigers (3-4) game features a pitching matchup between Dustin May and Jack Flaherty. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET from Comerica Park in Detroit, MI.
Dustin May's season debut on Sunday didn't go well, as he got shelled for six earned runs on 10 hits against the Rays. I think he has a decent chance to bounce back on Saturday and at least keep a clean first frame. Detroit's offense has been sluggish to start the year, ranking 24th in wOBA (.288) and dead last in ISO (.095). The Tigers are 4-3 (57%) to the NRFI, while going 1-0 (100%) at home.
On the other hand, we should see a quality outing from Jack Flaherty. St. Louis' current roster is just 2-for-12 (.167) against him, including the key hitters of Masyn Winn (0-for-2), Ivan Herrera (1-for-2), and Alec Burleson (0-for-2). Add in that the wind is projected to be blowing in from right-center field at 15.2 MPH at first pitch, and this already-pitcher friendly ball park should favor the pitchers even more. Let's root for a slow offensive start to the day and lock in the NRFI in Detroit.
Pick: NRFI (-140)
New York Mets (-122) vs. San Francisco Giants (+102) | O/U 7.5 (-122/+102)
The Mets (4-4) bounced back and secured a 10-3 victory over the Giants (3-5) Friday, evening this four-game weekend series at one game apiece. Saturday's National League showdown pits Clay Holmes against Landen Roupp. First pitch is slated for 9:05 p.m. ET from Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA.
I think this is a good spot to take a plus-money YRFI. The Mets have gone 5-3 (62%) to the YRFI this season, while the Giants are 4-4 (50%).
I'm largely expecting the 1+ runs to come off the bats of the Giants. They're taking on Clay Holmes, and they've had his number in the past. The current San Francisco roster is slashing .367/.446/.571 against him over 49 at-bats. This includes the top-of-the-order hitters of Willy Adames (2-for-4), Rafael Devers (3-for-10), Luis Arraez (3-for-7), and Matt Chapman (3-for-11). I think the Giants can get to Holmes. He's far from untouchable, and last season opposing batters hit .260 against him in road games. Let's take a flier on the +115 YRFI payout.
Pick: YRFI (+115)
Seattle Mariners (-168) vs. Los Angeles Angels (+139) | O/U 9.5 (-108/-112)
The night wraps up in the City of Angels, where the Angels (3-5) are gearing up to host the Mariners (4-4). Emerson Hancock gets the nod for the M's, while the Halos counter with Jack Kochanowicz. The MLB nightcap gets underway at 9:38 p.m. ET from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA.
I'll be on the YRFI in this American League West clash. Jack Kochanowicz didn't look sharp in his 2026 debut against the Astros, conceding six runs (five earned) on four hits and five walks over 4.0 innings. He brings in an 11.25 ERA, and there's a good chance that number increases against a Mariners group that has owned him in the past. Seattle is 15-for-28 (.536) against Kochanowicz in his career, racking up two home runs and three doubles.
On the flip side, Los Angeles has seen Emerson Hancock well in the past, going 7-for-24 (.292) against him with a home run. The big guns of Zach Neto (1-for-4), Mike Trout (1-for-3), Nolan Schanuel (1-for-2), and Jorge Soler (1-for-3) are a combined 4-for-12 (.333) against Hancock. With an elevated total of 9.5 runs, it's clear the sports betting market is expecting some runs. I think the party gets started early and often. Give me the YRFI.
Pick: YRFI (-125)