If you’re hunting for the best NRFI bets today, you’re in the right place. With a full MLB slate this Thursday, there’s no shortage of action — but not every game offers value in the no runs first inning market. We’ve combed through the odds, pitching matchups, and early-inning trends to identify the top two NRFI bets today.
NRFI Bets Today: Best No Runs First Inning Picks
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Yankees vs. Rays | NRFI Bets Today
This AL East showdown offers one of the strongest NRFI bets today, thanks to a compelling mix of pitching and early-inning scoring trends. The Yankees will send right-hander Will Warren to the mound, and while he’s early in his big league career, he’s already showing poise early in games. Through his first three starts this year, Warren has posted a 1.14 WHIP, a strong sign that he’s not putting himself in early trouble.
On the other side is Taj Bradley of the Rays. He’s had some turbulence in the first inning this year, allowing five runs in the opening frame over three starts, but his elite strikeout stuff makes him a strong NRFI bounce-back candidate. Bradley’s high whiff rate gives him the tools to pitch out of traffic, and when that clicks, the results come quickly.
What really drives this no run first inning pick is the Yankees’ road results. In their last nine away games, they’ve scored a first-inning run only once. Despite the power in their lineup, they’ve struggled to get going out of the gate.
Add it all up: A rookie with solid early-game control, a high-strikeout starter facing a familiar division opponent and a trend of scoreless first innings makes Yankees-Rays one of the best NRFI bets today.
Best NRFI/YRFI Bet: No Runs First Inning (-105, Caesars)
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Royals vs. Tigers | NRFI Bets Today
The second-best play in today’s NRFI bets portfolio comes from the AL Central clash between Kansas City and Detroit. Both teams bring lackluster lineups into this one, especially early in games, and the pitching matchup sets the stage for a quiet first frame.
The Royals send Michael Lorenzen to the mound, a veteran who tends to ease into games. While his season-long numbers aren’t flashy, Lorenzen has historically limited walks and avoided early blowups. That alone makes him a decent NRFI candidate.
On the other side is Reese Olson for the Tigers. He’s young and still finding consistency, but his stuff is sharp, and when he finds the zone, he’s capable of a quick three outs.
Both of these offenses have been among the league’s slowest starters. The Royals in particular have hovered near the bottom of the MLB in first-inning scoring rates for several years running. Detroit hasn’t fared much better, rarely jumping out to early leads at home. There’s also a lack of dangerous leadoff hitters on both sides, further reducing the threat of a quick score.
Best NRFI/YRFI Bet: No Runs First Inning (-106, FanDuel)
