MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (7/11)

For those unaware, NRFI stands for No Runs 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.

NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. Some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. NRFI capitalizes on this. 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: 2-1 | MLB Season: 17-12 | Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Washington Nationals at New York Mets

Starting Pitchers: MacKenzie Gore vs. David Peterson

If you're feeling deja vu it's because I covered this same matchup last week. But that was a nice cash so we're going to go right back to the well again. MacKenzie Gore takes the bump for the Nationals on the road today. He performs better away from Nationals Park. More importantly, the southpaw owns a 1.50 ERA in the first inning this season with only three runs allowed in 18 starts.

He's limiting opponents to a .197 batting average with 29 strikeouts in the early going as well, so it's no fluke that teams have struggled against him. When going against the Nationals, I always feel comfortable going NRFI because they are the single worst team at scoring in the first frame with only 25 such runs all season. David Peterson is another southpaw who has allowed zero runs in the opening frame across seven starts, with only three total hits allowed. For the aforementioned reasons, this is an easy play for me, so go ahead and throw two or three units on it.

Play: NRFI (-104)

Chicago Cubs at Baltimore Orioles

Starting Pitchers: Justin Steele vs. Albert Suarez

For another southpaw I'm backing today, Justin Steele takes the bump for the Cubs on the road at Baltimore. Steele has been solid for the Cubs with a 2.79 road ERA with a 1.38 ERA in the first inning this year, allowing two runs across 13 starts with a .136 opponent batting average. Facing a lefty early in Gunnar Henderson and forcing Adley Rutschman to swing righty is all I need to fade Baltimore in the opening frame.

Albert Suarez’s splits aren't as good to open games but he does own a 2.48 ERA and nearly no one in the Cubs’ lineup has faced him besides Dansby Swanson's single at-bat. With the lack of experience, and the Cubs being a mediocre team in the early going of a game, there is an easy bet to make here.

Play: NRFI (-111)

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