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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Friday (5/16)

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When betting on betting, few props offer the quick thrill and strategic nuance of the No Runs First Inning (NRFI) wager. It's a bet that's over in six outs - or sooner if things go sideways - and it hinges on a delicate mix of strong pitching, quiet bats and a bit of early-inning luck.

Friday's slate features a trio of intriguing matchups, each with its own blend of dominant starters and inconsistent offenses. Let's break down the best NRFI spots on the board.

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

This Season: 10-10 | Last Week: 1-2

Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Starting Pitchers: Jack Flaherty vs. Bowden Francis

This matchup highlights two of the better NRFI pitchers this season, with Jack Flahery and Bowden Francis having matching 7-1 NRFI records. Both offenses have fared well in scoring in the first inning over the last 10 games, with the Tigers scoring in four games and the Blue Jays scoring in six. This one is about backing the pitchers on the mound and fading the offenses.

Play: NRFI (-125 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox

Starting Pitchers: Chris Sale vs. Garrett Crochet

The NRFI record for Chris Sale isn’t too great this season (5-4), but he has posted a NRFI in four straight starts. Crochet has a solid 7-2 NRFI record. The Braves sport a .191 first-inning batting average, and the swing-happy Red Sox feature a .249 batting average in the first inning. We are banking on the slow-starting offenses to continue that trend and for the big lefties to neutralize them.

Play: NRFI (-130 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals

Starting Pitchers: Andre Pallante vs. Cole Ragans

This game brings a great mix of slow-starting offenses with pitchers that bring the heat right out of the gate. The Cardinals are currently batting .215 and have not scored a run in six of their last 10 games first innings, while Andre Pallante has recorded a NRFI in seven straight games.

The Royals are batting slightly better at .260 in the first inning, but have not scored a first-inning run in nine of their last 10 games. Cole Ragans has posted a 6-2 NRFI record with a NRFI in his last two starts.

Play: NRFI (-113 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

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

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