MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (6/20)
For those unaware, NRFI stands for No Run First Inning. It's 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. These bets heavily depend on the starting pitchers and consider factors like pitcher stats, team tendencies, ballpark conditions and weather.
Some teams consistently score early, while others struggle. No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. Second, some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. These NRFI bets capitalize on this. Lastly, if you've done your research, NRFI bets can provide an edge over other markets. I'm here to help provide that edge. As always, shop around for the best odds and be on the lookout for any lineup changes or injury news. Let's get to it.
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Thursday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Last Time: 1-1 | MLB Season: 10-11
Arizona Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals
Starting Pitchers: Ryne Nelson vs. MacKenzie Gore
In a David vs. Goliath matchup between two very different teams when it comes to early scoring, we have an early start time game to kick off the MLB slate today. Arizona is second in the league in runs scored in the first inning, averaging two runs across their first inning across their last three games. Washington meanwhile is completely different, averaging 0.25 runs per first inning this season, ranking dead last in the league. My main worry is Arizona scoring early against MacKenzie Gore. The Nationals starter is coming off some great outings, allowing three runs across his last two starts. His day ERA shines at 2.75 and his recent performances are promising. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has hit Gore well, but Gore should be able to handle the start of this Diamondbacks lineup. While Ryne Nelson's stats aren't elite this year, he is coming off a one-run quality start. The Nationals are the worst team at scoring early in games, so I am more than happy to bet NRFI at these odds.
Play: NRFI (+100 on FanDuel)
Seattle Mariners at Cleveland Guardians
Starting Pitchers: Luis Castillo vs. Logan Allen
Luis Castillo has been elite in the first inning with a sub-1.25 ERA. He's limiting opponents to a .244 opponent average and an even more impressive .281 opponent on-base percentage when facing batters the first time in the order. I would be shocked if Cleveland scores in the first inning today as they are middle of the pack at scoring in the first frame. What's scary is keeping Seattle off the board. Logan Allen owns a 7.33 home ERA but I can follow that up with his 1.96 day ERA across three starts this season. The expected top of the order for Seattle, including an 0-for-3 Julio Rodriguez, has not performed well against Allen and the southpaw performs his best when facing the order the first time through. With my trust in Castillo and matchup-specific stats, I feel comfortable with the NRFI bet here.
Play: NRFI (-125 on ESPNBet)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: