MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (8/8)

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. Second, some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. We can capitalize on this in the NRFI market. 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: 2-1 | MLB Season: 19-13

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees

Starting Pitchers: Tyler Anderson vs. Nestor Cortes

If you've followed along this year you'll know the Yankees are the single best team in MLB to score early in games. With 84 first-inning runs, New York has been the kryptonite to anyone betting NRFI against them this year. Tyler Anderson will be in for a tough one this game on the road, with a 4.91 ERA in the first inning. Going against a lefty helps the likes of Aaron Judge and the home-field advantage bodes well for New York.

Even if the Yankees don't score early, don't count out Los Angeles. The Angeles’ offense isn't exactly spectacular in the early goings of games but they do face Nestor Cortes who relatively struggles against righties and owns a 5.48 ERA in the opening frame this year. The Angels may not be too scary but they do have better slugging and averages against lefties this year, so this game offers up a perfect opportunity to bet on some early scoring. Remember to shop around, because Yes Runs First Inning (YRFI) pricing is usually different at every book.

Play: YRFI (-110 on ESPNBet)

New York Mets at Colorado Rockies

Starting Pitchers: David Peterson vs. Austin Gomber

I won't bury the lede here and simply say you should take the YRFI bet. Playing in Colorado, the runs are high and the splits heavily favor early run scoring, but I'm going to give a special play for this one. Austin Gomber takes the bump for Colorado and to say he struggles early in games would be the understatement of a century. The southpaw this year has allowed 24 runs in 21 starts, good for a 10.29 first-inning ERA. Like I said, bad.

This sets up perfectly for a Mets squad that not only slugs better off of lefties but has performed better on the road as well. Here's where it gets fun. David Peterson starts for New York and the Mets southpaw has been absolutely stellar in the opening frame. With a 0.82 ERA for the split, the Rockies will have a hard time putting up runs. I am confident there will be early frame scoring, especially from the Mets. Instead of just taking the YRFI, I'd also go with a Mets first-inning Moneyline here if you dare.

Play: YRFI (-140 on ESPNBet)

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