We have a slew of early baseball games this Good Friday, so let's make some quick money with some of the earliest bets that cash out: the “run first inning” markets.
My MLB picks are expecting some early scoring in a trio of games today, including a West Coast clash between the Mariners and Angels.
Here are my best free YRFI and NRFI bets for April 3.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Phillies at Rockies: YRFI (-122)
Getting the YRFI at -122 in a game at Coors Field is a bargain, and today's pitching matchup suggests we'll get plenty of runs.
Philadelphia Phillies righty Aaron Nola is coming off his worst season as a pro (6.01 ERA over 17 starts) and allowed five runs in five innings in his first outing this year.
The Colorado Rockies are giving the pill to Michael Lorenzen, who surrendered seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his season debut. Lorenzon had a 4.64 ERA with the Royals last year, and his subpar ground ball rate and exit velocity suggest he'll struggle at Coors.
Especially against a hard-hitting Phillies lineup that has some big bats at the top of the order.
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBC Sports Phil | Rockies.TV
Reds at Rangers: YRFI (-102)
The Cincinnati Reds haven't been productive at the plate, but the analytics suggest positive regression. Anchored by rising stars Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, the Reds lead the majors in exit velocity while ranking fifth in barrel rate.
Today, they take on the Texas Rangers and Mackenzie Gore, who generates strikes but gives up too much hard contact. The lefty was in the 20th percentile in barrel rate and exit velocity last year while posting a 4.33 xERA.
Reds starter Brady Singer had an almost identical 4.27 xERA last, and he allowed three runs in four innings in his 2026 debut. I don't trust him to navigate a Rangers lineup that is sixth in the majors in runs per game (5.33) and third in hard-hit rate.
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Rangers Sports Network | Reds.TV
Mariners at Angels: YRFI (+114)
The Seattle Mariners mashed away from home last season, posting 5.09 runs per game. Expect the same production as they begin their first road trip this year.
The M's retained Josh Naylor while adding leadoff man Brendan Donovan to a lineup anchored by MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena.
They'll have success against Los Angeles Angels lefty Reid Detmers, who has been shaky as a starter and is better out of the bullpen. Detmers didn't make a single start last year but had a 6.70 ERA in 17 starts in 2024. He started last Saturday and gave up three runs in 4 2/3 frames.
Meanwhile, Seattle will start Bryan Woo, who has been great at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park but can be inconsistent on the road.
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel SN West | Mariners.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 4-5, -1.25 units
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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