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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (4/17)

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Welcome back to another day of sports betting as the MLB season continues through the early stages of play, and we can make some No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets. NRFI is a popular betting market where gamblers wager on whether the first inning of an MLB game will end with zero runs scored by either team. Pretty simple.

NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. NRFI bets can provide an edge over other markets if you’ve done your research. I'm here to help provide that edge. As always, shop around for the best odds and be on the lookout for lineup announcements, which can change a lot.

Let's dive into three games in the NRFI market.

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Thursday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks

Last Time: 1-1 | Season: 5-2

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins

Starting Pitchers: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Edward Cabrera

Arizona and Miami face off in an early game (12:10 p.m. ET) that is essentially at the crack of dawn for the Diamondbacks crew. Neither team has been effective at early run scoring, managing seven runs each in the first inning this season, ranking tied for 21st in MLB.

Early games usually mean fewer batting practice reps and some potential rust to shake off for the hitters, especially in Miami. The Miami top of the order isn't exactly fear-inducing, while the batters haven't seen much of Eduardo Rodriguez in their careers. Arizona’s Corbin Carroll has a good history against Edward Cabrera, but that's helped the odds here. I'm happy to roll the dice on near-even odds for the NRFI pick. 

Play: NRFI (-110 on bet365)

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Starting Pitchers: Will Warren vs. Taj Bradley

Spoiler alert, but this game is lining up for some early scoring. The Yankees have continued their offensive ways with the third-most first-inning runs this season, and Taj Bradley has been the best pitcher to let up opening frame scoring. He has allowed five runs in his three starts to start the game, allowing a .357 batting average to opposing batters in the first inning.

Will Warren, meanwhile, isn't exactly the best at limiting runs with an 8.35 career ERA in his 36.2 innings across eight starts. Tampa is close behind New York with 13 first-inning runs, and it would be a surprise if this game doesn't start with some fireworks, making the Yes Runs First Inning (YRFI) attractive.

Play: YRFI (-110 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers

Starting Pitchers: Michael Lorenzen vs. Reese Olson

Despite Detroit being one of the best teams at early scoring this year, I'm leaning the other way. Michael Lorenzen has yet to allow a first-inning run, and I am betting he keeps that streak running. The Royals starter has limited opposing Tigers to a .691 OPS in over 30 at-bats against.

On the other side, Reese Olson may have stumbled out of the gates, but in his career, his 2.51 first-inning ERA is promising. Kansas City isn't exactly the best team to score in the opening frame. People will see Detroit's early inning success, but I think that's due for regression. Today's game lines up for no runs scored.

Play: NRFI (-115 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

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