Get ready for the weekend with a trio of NRFI/YRFI bets for Friday, May 22!
My top MLB picks call for a low-scoring first frame between the Cleveland Guardians and Philadelphia Phillies, with the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels also blanking the first inning to wrap up my betting card.
Best NRFI/YRFI picks today
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
/
- NRFI
/
- NRFI
/
- NRFI
Guardians at Phillies: NRFI (-139)
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams and Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez have both dazzled in the first inning this season.
Williams has held opposing hitters to a .222 batting average while tossing a scoreless first inning in seven of 10 starts, and it’s been a similar story for Sanchez. The southpaw has pitched a scoreless first in eight of 10 starts with a 2.70 ERA.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCSP, CLEG
Mariners at Royals: NRFI (-121)
The Kansas City Royals have scored in the opening inning in just 24% of their games, tied for sixth-lowest in the majors.
Although Seattle Mariners starter Logan Gilbert has been hit for a 1.045 OPS in the first inning, he posted a .645 mark in 2025, making this a great spot for the righty to flip the early script.
Seattle also ranks 29th in wOBA against left-handed starters, and Royals southpaw Noah Cameron has fired a scoreless first inning in six of eight starts.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ROYL, SEAM
Team at Team: Rangers at Angels: NRFI (-127)
While it might be asking a lot to back Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, the Texas Rangers have scored in the first inning at the eighth-lowest rate in baseball this season. Rodriguez also held the Los Angeles Dodgers scoreless in the first inning in his season debut last time out.
Rangers righty Jacob deGrom is also due for some statistical correction in the opening frame. He’s allowed four first-inning home runs with a 1.010 OPS, but considering he’s surrendered just 10 total homers and a .625 OPS overall, those early struggles should start to subside.
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ABTV, CW33
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 6-10, -4.27 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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
