One of the most intriguing baseball betting options is the “run first inning” market, where you can wager on whether there will be runs scored in the opening frame.
The San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres have been two of the worst-hitting teams to start the season, and my MLB picks expect their bats to get off to another cold start tonight.
Check out the rest of my free NRFI and YRFI bets for Tuesday, March 31.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Nationals at Phillies: YRFI (-130)
The Philadelphia Phillies are sending talented prospect Andrew Painter to the hill, but it’s unclear what we’ll get in his MLB debut.
Painter posted a 5.26 ERA across 26 minor league starts last year, and the Washington Nationals feature dangerous bats like James Wood and CJ Abrams at the top of their order.
Meanwhile, the Nats are using relief pitcher P.J. Poulin as an opener; he posted a 3.93 xERA over 24 2/3 innings last year. I don’t trust him against a Phillies lineup led by Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper — especially with a stiff 13-mph breeze blowing toward the outfield at the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park today.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MLB Network
Tigers at Diamondbacks: YRFI (-113)
Casey Mize struggled during the second half of last season, posting a 5.54 ERA over his final 13 starts for the Detroit Tigers. He now faces an Arizona Diamondbacks lineup loaded at the top with Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Geraldo Perdomo.
The Tigers also feature dangerous hitters at the top of their order, going up against D-Backs righty Brandon Pfaadt, who ranked in the bottom 10th percentile last year in barrel rate, exit velocity, and xBA (.285).
Pfaadt pitched to a 5.25 ERA across 33 starts in 2025, with that number ballooning to 7.31 in the first inning.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: DBacks.TV | Tigers.TV
Giants at Padres: NRFI (-120)
Logan Webb was roughed up in his season debut for the San Francisco Giants. That said, he’s a proven ace, posting a 2.94 FIP across 132 starts over the last four years, so I'll be looking for him to bounce back.
Meanwhile, German Marquez makes his debut for the San Diego Padres and will be excited to pitch at Petco Park after spending his entire career at altitude.
Marquez gets a favorable matchup against San Francisco, which ranks last in the majors in OPS (.441) and sits in the bottom three in barrel rate and hard-hit rate. San Diego isn’t much better, sitting 28th in OPS (.512) and 26th in barrel rate.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBC Sports BA | Padres.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 3-3, -0.25 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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