MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (7/24)
Welcome back to another day of sports betting, as the MLB season continues post-All-Star break, and we start looking towards the trade deadline. 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.
NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. NRFI or YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning) bets can provide an edge over other markets if you’ve researched. 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 significantly impact the outcome.
Let's dive into a couple of games on this July 24th slate.
- 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: 0-1 | Season: 19-14 | All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
Starting Pitchers: Eric Lauer vs. Reese Olson
On the surface, both teams appear to be dangerous, with equally potent offenses. Toronto ranks in the top 10 of YRFI teams with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. always threats to go deep. But on the road, their offense takes a step back and they're going against Reese Olson, who has a 2.30 home ERA. Olson has held the top-three Blue Jays hitters to go 1-for-14 combined. I'd be surprised if Toronto is scoring early.
On the other side, Eric Lauer takes the bump, who has been electric this season. In his nine starts, he's allowed just one run, limiting opponents to a .188 opponent average. Lauer has handled the Tigers’ lineup and has a 27-23 NRFI-YRFI record at home in 2025. Interestingly, the odds are pretty even here. This is a pretty easy NRFI pick.
Play: NRFI (-115)
Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels
Starting Pitchers: Logan Evans vs. Yusei Kikuchi
Surprisingly, despite the sub .500 record, the Angels rank as one of the highest first-inning offenses with the highest YRFI rate and the seventh-most first-inning runs overall. Logan Evans hasn't faced any of the Angels hitters in his rookie season, but his splits on the road are concerning, pitching to a 5.06 ERA compared to 2.60 when at home. Of course, it's never fun facing Mike Trout for the first time.
The Mariners’ offense might not be as astute, ranking in the middle of the pack in YRFI rate. Cal Raleigh is always a threat to hit a home run. Yusei Kikuchi has struggled early in games, with a 6.00 ERA in the opening frame. Righties hit well off him. I feel good that there will be some fireworks early on in this West Coast matchup.
Play: YRFI (-115)