Best NRFI Bets For Today: No Runs First Inning Picks

Get the best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks for today's MLB action

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Best NRFI Bets Today: May 9

Every day the team at BetQL has you covered with our favorite NRFI picks for today's MLB games. Find which games we love and why we think they are the best NRFI bets for today. You will get our picks, expert analysis, and the best line available. Tail us on our No Runs First Inning picks and let's get six out to cash out!

Untitled Image

Best NRFI Bets Today: May 9

Every day the team at BetQL has you covered with our favorite NRFI picks for today's MLB games. Find which games we love and why we think they are the best NRFI bets for today. You will get our picks, expert analysis, and the best line available. Tail us on our No Runs First Inning picks and let's get six out to cash out!

Diamondbacks-Reds NRFI (-115, BetRivers)

We had another fantastic day yesterday here in the NRFI article, as we went 4-2 for a profit of 1.25 units! We went 1-1 on the full unit plays, losing Rangers/A's Game 1 and winning D-Backs/Reds. However, we went 3-0 on half-unit plays, with Angels/Pirates, Tigers/Guards, and Giants/Rockies all cashing. We lost our only quarter-unit play in Mariners/Twins.

There is only one game on this short slate today that I would play for a full unit, and that is running it back with the NRFI in the Diamondbacks vs. Reds game. We cashed this one yesterday, and for many of the same reasons, we are going to take it today.

Arizona has RHP Slade Cecconi on the mound this afternoon, and he was crushed in his last outing against San Diego. He allowed six earned runs in just 4.1 innings and was easily the worst start of his three on the season. In his two previous starts, he was fantastic and went 6 innings in each while allowing just three runs across those two games. I think he can get back on track here against the Reds. They have been awful against right-handed pitching, with just an 80 wRC+ as an offense.

RHP Hunter Greene will counter him on the hill for Cincinnati, and he has been excellent this season. He's allowed just 14 earned runs in 40.1 innings of work so far and has some really nasty stuff to hurl toward the D-Backs. Speaking of the Snakes, their offense looks like a shell of itself compared to last season when they made their run. They own a poor 85 wRC+ vs. right-handers, not much better than the Reds, so I have a hard time seeing how they will have a lot of success against Greene.

Hopefully, both of these bottom-10 offenses can go the first inning without scoring.

Half & Quarter Unit Bets

These are plays that I like, but I don't feel are worth a full unit wager, so we'll sprinkle them:

Guardians at White Sox - 1/2u

Giants at Rockies - 1/2u

Royals at Angels - 1/2u

Mariners at Twins - 1/4u

*1/2u = Half Unit

*1/4u = Quarter Unit

What is a NRFI bet?

In baseball betting, NRFI stands for "No Run First Inning." It's a wager on how many runs will be scored in the first inning, with the focus being on zero runs being scored in the first inning!

Essentially, you're betting for there to be six outs recorded before any runs are scored. NRFI has become a popular betting option because it offers a quick result – you only need to wait for the first inning to be over.

The Best NRFI Teams

Seattle Mariners

Look no further than the Seattle Mariners for a strong NRFI bet today. Their offense has been terrible early in games, averaging a meager .32 runs in the first inning. their pitching staff has been lights out. Starters like Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert have been dominant, shutting down opposing batters.

This combination of a slow-starting offense and a lights-out pitching staff has led to a stellar 66% hit rate on NRFI bets for the Mariners this season. With those odds in your favor, the Mariners are a top contender for a scoreless first inning today.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Don't underestimate the Pittsburgh Pirates for a potential NRFI play today. While their overall record might not be inspiring, they've been surprisingly effective in shutting down opponents early.

Their offense, mustering a paltry .34 runs in the first inning, ranks among the worst in baseball. This sluggish start complements their surprisingly strong pitching, particularly in the early going. Starters like Mitch Keller, Martin Perez, and Jared Jones have been stifling opposing bats, limiting them to an average of 4.11 runs per game.

With a potent combination of a weak first-inning offense and surprisingly strong pitching, the Pirates could be a great choice for an NRFI bet today. And considering their low overall scoring, they might even be worth a look for an under total runs wager as well.

Chicago White Sox

Believe it or not, the Chicago White Sox might be a hidden gem for an NRFI bet today. Yes, you read that right. The same White Sox struggling this season boast a surprising strength: shutting down opponents early. While their pitching surrenders a hefty 5.3 runs per game overall, they've managed to keep things tight in the first inning.

The White Sox currently sit at an impressive 24-13 record for NRFI bets, translating to a stellar 65% hit rate. This unexpected success might present some valuable betting opportunities. Considering their overall struggles, you might even snag some favorable odds on an NRFI wager for the White Sox today.

NRFI Betting Tips

Winning NRFI bets requires a keen eye on pitching matchups, team situations, and a tiny bit of luck. If you are looking to be more successful at NRFI bets, here are a few ways to improve your odds:

  • Dominant Pitching is Key: Target starting pitchers with a low walk rate and a high strikeout rate. These pitchers limit baserunners and can rack up strikeouts to escape jams quickly. Ideally, these pitchers will have a history of success, not rookies or those coming back from injuries.
  • Opposing Lineup Weaknesses: Check for injuries to key hitters, especially at the top of the lineup. A missing power bat can significantly decrease a team's early scoring chances. Additionally, if a team's top hitters are in a slump, it bodes well for an NRFI.
  • Consider the Game Conditions: Cold weather or windy ballparks can make hitting difficult, favoring pitchers and potentially leading to fewer runs. Look for games played in ballparks known for being pitcher-friendly.
  • Stay Informed: Watch for significant MLB line movement closer to game time. This could indicate a late lineup change favoring the offense, making NRFI less likely.

No Runs First Inning Predictions

Our NRFI bets for today are all about giving you the best shot at a scoreless first inning. We crunch the numbers and analyze pitching matchups relentlessly, but remember, baseball is a wild card. Upsets can happen, even to the best pitchers. We focus on providing insights, not guarantees, so you can place your NRFI bets with confidence and knowledge.

NRFI Betting Tips and Strategies

Want to cash in on MLB's early action? Check out our NRFI betting strategies and turn six little outs into quick wins!

Research the Starting Pitchers:

  • Look for pitchers with strong first-inning performances. Check stats like First Inning ERA and strikeouts. Pitchers who consistently get outs early are ideal for NRFI bets.

Analyze Team Offenses:

  • Target teams known for slow starts. Some teams struggle to get on base early, which reduces the chance of runs in the first inning. Look for recent batting stats, especially in the first inning.

Consider the Weather:

  • Cold weather or windy parks can make hitting tougher, increasing the chance of a scoreless first. Be aware of weather forecasts and ballpark factors.

Shop for Good Odds:

  • NRFI odds can vary slightly between sportsbooks. Check betting lines to find the most favorable odds for your chosen game.

Don't Chase Losses:

  • Stick to your strategy and avoid trying to win back losses with bigger bets. Losses happen, so be patient and disciplined.

The Best Sportsbooks to bet NRFI

  1. DraftKings: Offers a user-friendly interface with a wide range of NRFI betting options and competitive odds.
  2. FanDuel: Provides daily NRFI promotions and boosts, making it attractive for maximizing potential returns.
  3. Caesars Sportsbook: Rewards bettors with Caesars Rewards points for every NRFI wager, perfect for building long-term value.
  4. BetMGM: Known for offering competitive lines and enticing new user bonuses that can be used on NRFI bets.

Need more Betting Picks?

Dive deeper into your betting strategy with BetQL's extensive resources, including:

  • MLB Computer Picks: Leverage the power of our advanced model to gain insights on potential winning MLB bets.
  • MLB Over/Unders: Find expert analysis and data-driven predictions for MLB total run bets.
  • MLB Prop Picks: Discover BetQL's expert picks for various player and game-specific MLB prop bets.
  • MLB Public Betting Picks: See where the money is flowing and gain insights into public sentiment on upcoming MLB games.
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