Let’s welcome the weekend in with a trio of NRFI/YRFI bets to cover you throughout the 15-game slate of baseball on Friday, May 8.
My top MLB picks begin with an NL East clash between the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins before wrapping up with another National League showdown between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres in the late window.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Twins at Guardians: NRFI (-135)
Minnesota Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp has limited opposing batters to a .455 OPS while allowing just a pair of hits and a single run across seven opening innings.
Additionally, the Cleveland Guardians have overachieved at the dish of late, sporting a .336 wOBA (.310 xwOBA) across the past seven games.
I’m also expecting the Twins to struggle against emerging Cleveland star Parker Messick. He’s spun a tidy 2.40 ERA and 2.86 xERA while also pitching seven consecutive scoreless opening innings and allowing just two hits and a minuscule .247 OPS.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Apple TV
Nationals at Marlins: NRFI (-115)
Miami Marlins lefty Robby Snelling is set to make his MLB debut after posting a 1.86 ERA, 2.64 xFIP, and 40.0 K% across six Triple-A starts.
I’m fully anticipating Snelling to keep the Washington Nationals off balance in their first look at him, and the Nats also have the fifth-highest strikeout percentage against southpaws.
Meanwhile, the Marlins are in tough against Washington LHP Foster Griffin. He’s held opposing hitters to a .442 OPS without allowing a single earned run through seven opening innings, and I also value him keeping batters to a 36.0% hard-hit rate.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Marlins.TV
Cardinals at Padres: NRFI (-115)
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy has pitched a scoreless first frame in six of seven starts and boasts a positive pitch value on each of his three most frequent offerings. This spells trouble for a San Diego Padres offense that has failed to score a run in the first inning in 83.8% of their games.
Similarly, the Cards rank middle of the pack in games without a first-inning run (70.3%) and now face Friars righty Griffin Canning following a solid season debut.
Canning scattered six baserunners across five innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven in his last outing, which also included a scoreless opening frame.
- Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Apple TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 6-7, -1.37 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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