MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (5/8)
Welcome back to another day of sports betting as the MLB season continues, and we can make some No Runs First Inning 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 two games.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
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Thursday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Last Time: 1-1 | Season: 8-4 | All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Texas Rangers at Boston Red Sox
Starting Pitchers: Jack Leiter vs. Brayan Bello
The Rangers take on the Red Sox in an early game that I expect to be low scoring across the board. Jack Leiter takes the bump for Texas, and he's been more impressive on the road with a 2.16 ERA in his two starts away from home. He has also been solid in the opening frame this year with just one run allowed in his four starts.
On the other side, Brayan Bello gets a bump at home with a 1.54 home ERA this season, limiting opponents to a .195 opponent batting average. Texas' offense isn't as worrisome for scoring early, and the top of Boston’s lineup hasn't seen Leiter all too well in recent history. Given the odds, this is an easy bet.
Pick: NRFI (-110)
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
Starting Pitchers: Nick Lodolo vs. Spencer Schwellenbach
The Reds-Braves game is another contest that lines up with solid splits. Nick Lodolo has been elite on the road this year with a 1.07 ERA over his four starts. In his seven starts, he's had solid opening frame stats with a .167 opponent batting average. Spencer Schwellenbach has been even better, allowing just one run in seven starts with just four hits allowed.
The top of the Cincinnati order has struggled in its short history against Schwellenbach and Atlanta's hitters haven't fared as well on the other side. The Braves’ offense ranks 22nd in first-inning runs scored this year. While they are due for positive regression, I don't expect that to happen on Thursday.
Pick: NRFI (-130)