The Baltimore Orioles visit the Tampa Bay Rays again tonight, and that matchup will headline my favorite MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI and YRFI picks for Tuesday, May 19.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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Orioles at Rays: NRFI (-122)
The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays continue a three-game set tonight after a massive 16-6 blowout for the Rays on Monday. While Tampa has scored in the first inning in two straight contests, they're up against Kyle Bradish here, who owns a perfect 9-0 NRFI/YRFI record this year. His 4.60 ERA doesn't jump off the page, but Bradish seldom gets into trouble in the opening frame.
As for the Rays, they send Griffin Jax to the mound. He has a respectable 3.91 ERA, and the right-hander hasn't given up a single run in the first inning across four 2026 outings. The Orioles have also come across the plate in the first just eight times in 48 games.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MASN, Rays.TV
Guardians at Tigers: NRFI (-122)
It's a solid pitching matchup on the mound tonight when the Cleveland Guardians take on the Detroit Tigers. Parker Messick has compiled a 2.35 ERA, and he has a perfect 9-0 NRFI/YRFI record. Keider Montero, meanwhile, sports a 3.65 ERA, and he hasn't surrendered a run in the opening inning of any of his eight starts.
The Guards have been held scoreless in the first inning in three of their last four contests, while Detroit has also failed to score a run in the first inning in three of their last four. The Tigers are also hitting just .217 against left-handed pitchers.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Detroit SportsNet, Guardians.TV
Brewers at Cubs: NRFI (-127)
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs meet tonight, and it's another intriguing encounter on the hill. Jacob Misiorowski has been lights out with a 2.12 ERA, and he's tossed four straight scoreless first innings. The righty has also only allowed a run in the opening frame twice this season.
As for the Cubbies, they hand the ball to Ben Brown, who has looked impressive since stepping into the rotation, keeping opponents at bay in the first inning in both of his starts.
The Brew Crew is hitting just .214 in the first inning, and they've failed to score in three straight first innings. The Cubbies have been held scoreless in 39 of their 48 games this season, and they're also batting a pedestrian .219 in the first.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network, Brewers.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 8-15, -1.90 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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