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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (6/5)

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Welcome back to another day of sports betting as the MLB season continues 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 a pair of games.

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

    Last Time: 0-2 | Season: 10-10 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

    Houston Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

    Starting Pitchers: Framber Valdez vs. Mitch Keller

    As the Astros take on the Pirates in Pittsburgh, a clear side pops up when debating No Runs First Inning (NRFI) vs. Yes Runs First Inning (YRFI). Let's see if you can figure it out.

    On the road, Houston's splits are pretty extreme as they have the highest NRFI percentage among any MLB team. Overall, Pittsburgh ranks sixth in NRFI percentage. Framber Valdez carved up these Pirates in the past. In 43 at-bats against the expected starting lineup, the Houston starter has limited Pittsburgh to a .498 OPS. The Pirates are weaker against southpaws, and Valdez has limited opponents to a .188 batting average the first time facing them in the order.

    Mitch Keller takes the bump for Pittsburgh, and he's held the top of the Astros lineup at bay. Isaac Paredes, Jeremy Pena and Christian Walker are a combined 2-for-16 off the Pirates starter. Granted, it's a few at-bats, but it's still favorable for what we're betting on. I hate juiced lines as much as others, but with this one feeling like a slam dunk, I'm OK eating the chalk. 

    Play: NRFI (-135)

    Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays

    Starting Pitchers: Jesus Luzardo vs. Chris Bassitt

    Philadelphia travels north, wrapping up their series against Toronto at the Rogers Centre. Both teams have been middle of the pack when it comes to NRFI/YRFI percentages, with both teams combining to go 61-61 NRFI-YRFI. A perfect split right down the middle. To me, it doesn't seem like a 50-50 chance today.

    Jesus Luzardo takes the bump for Philly, and while his first-inning ERA doesn't jump off the page, his 2.29 road ERA is significant. George Springer is the only starting Blue Jay who has seen Luzardo before, and the southpaw has only had one bad outing that skews his stats.

    The Blue Jays counter with Chris Bassitt, and while the Phillies have seen him plenty, the Jays starter is a completely different beast at home with a solid 2.73 ERA in Toronto. Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper have both seriously struggled against Bassitt in the past, and I don't expect them to show out early here either.

    Play: NRFI (-120)

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

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