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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Sunday (5/11)

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The MLB rolls out an excellent 15-game slate to close out the weekend.

I've sifted through the pitching matchups and narrowed in on a trio of No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets from today's loaded schedule. 

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Sunday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning Picks

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Texas Rangers (-105) vs. Detroit Tigers (-115) | O/U 7.5 (-102/-118)

Starting Pitchers: Nathan Eovaldi vs. Reese Olson

Let's pick it up in Motown, where the Rangers (19-21) and Tigers (26-14) are set to square off in a rubber match. Nathan Eovaldi takes the ball for Texas, while Detroit opts for Reese Olson. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET from Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. 

Olson has been fabulous for the Tigers this season, bringing in a 3.03 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP over seven starts (38.2 innings). The right-hander has turned in three scoreless starts in his last four outings, posting a 1.14 ERA during the 23.2-inning stretch of play. I expect Olson to stay hot in front of his home crowd this afternoon. These are two of the better NRFI teams in the MLB, each going 22-18 (55%) to the prop bet, which is tied for the eighth-best mark. 

As for Eovaldi, he's been arguably the best pitcher in baseball in 2025. He's 3-2 with a 2.03 ERA (eighth) and a 0.80 WHIP (first). His 53 strikeouts are the 12th-most in the league. The right-hander has allowed one or fewer runs in his last three starts (18 innings), which equates to a 1.00 ERA. Additionally, Detroit's current roster is slashing just .219/.260/.260 against him over 73 at-bats. Give me the NRFI in Detroit this afternoon. 

Bet: NRFI (-140)

Miami Marlins (-135) vs. Chicago White Sox (+114) | O/U 8.0 (-112/-108)

Starting Pitchers: Sandy Alcantara vs. Sean Burke

A couple of bottom-feeders in their respective divisions go toe-to-toe today in the Windy City, as the Marlins (15-23) take on the White Sox (11-29). Sandy Alcantara gets the nod for the Fish, while the Southsiders counter with Sean Burke. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET from Rate Field in Chicago, IL. 

It has been a horrendous start to the year for Sandy Alcantara (8.42 ERA), but he couldn't ask for a better opponent as he attempts to turn his season around. The right-hander will look to mow down a White Sox club that's ranked 29th in both wRC+ (60) and wOBA (.254) over the last seven days, while sitting 30th in ISO (.069). 

Miami's offense hasn't been much better during the time frame, sitting at 25th (71), 25th (.278) and 26th (.109) in those respective categories. The Marlins are running into Sean Burke (4.35 ERA), who has conceded only one earned run in his last two starts (12.1 innings). Both pitchers are primed for this success today, and I'm expecting a clean first frame out of the south side. 

Bet: NRFI (-135)

Philadelphia Phillies (-170) vs. Cleveland Guardians (+142) | O/U 7.5 (-112/-108)

Starting Pitchers: Zack Wheeler vs. Luis L. Ortiz

All roads lead to a Sunday Night Baseball showdown between the Phillies (23-16) and the Guardians (23-16). This Interleague contest features a pitching matchup between Zack Wheeler and Luis L. Ortiz. The MLB nightcap gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. 

Cleveland's Ortiz hasn't been overpowering this year, bringing in a 5.30 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. However, he does have a nice head-to-head edge against the Phillies for tonight's matchup. The right-hander has held their current roster to a slash line of .190/.261/.310 over 42 at-bats. That includes the top three hitters of Bryson Stott (0-for-3), Trea Turner (2-for-6, one double) and Bryce Harper (0-for-4), who are a combined 2-for-13 (.154) against Ortiz. 

As for Wheeler, well, he's pitching like an ace once again in 2025. The 34-year-old hurler is 3-1, boasting a 3.35 ERA (37th) and a 0.94 WHIP (eighth). His 66 punchouts are the third-most in the league. Wheeler has logged four straight quality starts (26.2 innings), registering a 2.70 ERA during the stretch. The Guardians have been an NRFI machine this season, going 23-16 (59%) to the wager this season. That's the second-best mark in the league, and they've also cashed it in four straight games. 

Bet: NRFI (-135)

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

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