It’s not just a full boat in Major League Baseball on Saturday — it’s overflowing with games.
Thanks to rainouts on Friday, we’ve got a pair of doubleheaders on a day when every team was already playing. Your options for MLB picks on April 26 are endless as you select your best NRFI bets and YRFI bets.
This prop is simple, and results come quick: just pick the matchup where you think the two teams will combine for at least one run in the first inning or not.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
@ 
YRFI (-105 at ProphetX)
@ 
YRFI (+130 at ProphetX)
@ 
YRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
GET THE BEST ODDS ACROSS 40+ STATES WITH PROPHETX
Download ProphetX today using code Covers and earn up to 300 in Prophet Cash over your first 30 days.
ProphetX is the first ever peer-to-peer sports exchange, play against others, not the house — even request your own odds!
Eligible U.S. locations only. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NRFI/YRFI bets for April 26
Red Sox at Guardians: YRFI (-105 at ProphetX)
The Boston Red Sox are the current leaders in YRFIs, with their games having a first inning score in five straight. The Red Sox are also a Top 10 team in scoring first inning runs this season at a 33.3% clip.
In this case, their starting pitcher in Tanner Houck may be the one who delivers the winning wager.
A first inning run has been scored in four straight Houck starts, with Houck himself surrendering at least one in each of those starts. No surprise that he’s 0-2 with a 7.66 ERA, and the BoSox have lost four of the five games he’s started this season.
The Cleveland Guardians are Bottom 7 in games with a run scored in the opening frame, but they have had it happen in two straight games.
Phillies at Cubs: YRFI (+130 at ProphetX)
You would think the Chicago Cubs, tied for the MLB lead for fewest games with a first-inning run would be a lock for an NRFI, but the matchup matters. And the starting pitchers for both the Philadelphia Phillies and Cubs have seen a lot of action in their starts, early.
Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo has allowed just five total earned runs in four starts in April, but three of those games have produced a first-inning score: two by his own team, and one Luzardo allowed against the Braves.
Ben Brown has allowed just 11 earned runs in five starts this season, but three of his starts have seen explosive first innings. His own team has gotten him off to great beginnings, building him leads of one, two, and four runs after just one inning of work.
Look for this trend to continue Saturday at Wrigley.
Braves at Diamondbacks: YRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
Let’s wrap with a team that loves to get on the board early.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were baseball’s leader in first inning runs scored in 2024, and they’re tied for third in 2025, looking up at only the Orioles and the Yankees. They’ve seen a first run plated in 15 of their 26 games this season, which ranks Top 7 in the majors.
Three of Merrill Kelly’s last four starts have had an opening inning run, with his team contributing twice, and the visitors lighting him up twice.
They’re taking on an Atlanta Braves team that has the second-most YRFIs this season. Starter Grant Holmes has seen a first inning run plate in four of his five starts this season, three from his own team getting him off to a good start.
There’s too much evidence not bet a YRFI for this one.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
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.
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.
