The San Francisco Giants' offense has been beyond ugly this season, and tonight they host a New York Mets squad with plenty of new faces.
My MLB picks are fading both of those offenses in the "no run first inning" market.
Check out what other early bets I'm making in my free YRFI and NRFI bets for Saturday, April 4.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Brewers at Royals - Doubleheader Game 1: YRFI (-108)
With Brice Turang and Christian Yelich crushing the ball, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the majors in OPS (.825) and runs per game (7.5).
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals are loaded at the top of their lineup, led by Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinny Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez. They currently rank 10th in the majors in barrel rate and seventh in exit velocity.
The starters for both teams have potential but come with question marks. Brewers sophomore Chad Patrick gives up too much hard contact, while Royals righty Luinder Avila is making his first MLB start after tossing 14 innings out of the bullpen last year.
With the fences moved in at Kauffman Stadium and wind blowing towards the outfield at 13 mph, expect early runs.
- Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FS1
Cubs at Guardians: YRFI (+100)
Both of these teams have struggled at the plate this season. That said, the Chicago Cubs have a dangerous lineup on paper, and their MLB-best hard-hit rate suggests positive regression.
The main reason to like the YRFI bet is that both starters have been awful. The Cleveland Guardians are giving the pill to Slade Cecconi, who finished with an xERA of 4.99 last year while sitting near the bottom of the majors in hard-hit rate.
Chicago responds with Shota Imanaga, who posted a 4.07 xERA in 2025. Both hurlers also got rocked in their first start this year.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Mets at Giants: NRFI (-125)
The San Francisco Giants are second-last in the majors in OPS (.554) while ranking last in both barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
Although the New York Mets plated 10 runs last night, they had mustered just three runs over their previous three games. Their lineup underwent significant turnover in the offseason, and newcomers Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien are struggling to replace Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil.
Mets starter Clay Holmes tends to look sharp in the early innings before unraveling mid-game. He posted a 2.47 ERA with an OBA of .222 through the first two innings in 2025.
San Francisco counters with Landen Roupp, who could have a breakout season if he can cut down on the walks. He looked sharp in his season debut, allowing just two hits across six innings of shutout ball.
- Time: 9:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBC Sports BA | SNY
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 5-7, -2.27 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.
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