The Washington Nationals visit the Cleveland Guardians this evening, 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 26.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
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- NRFI
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
Nationals at Guardians: NRFI (-125)
The Washington Nationals put up a three-spot in the first inning of the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, but I'm expecting a different story today. Cade Cavalli takes the hill, and he's compiled an 8-2 NRFI record this season. He hasn't given up a run in the first inning in eight straight outings.
As for Joey Cantillo, he's only given up a run twice in the opening frame in 2026, and he's come out of the first inning unscathed in four consecutive starts. The Guardians offense hasn't done any damage in the first inning in eight games in a row, while the Nats have only scored in the first once in their last five contests.
- Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Guardians.TV, Nationals.TV
Angels at Tigers: NRFI (-101)
The visiting Los Angeles Angels hand Jack Kochanowicz the baseball tonight against the Detroit Tigers. While his 4.55 ERA doesn't jump off the page, the right-hander owns an 8-2 NRFI record this year. He usually steers clear of trouble early on. On the other side, Keider Montero hasn't surrendered a run in the first inning once this season.
Offensively, the Angels are batting only .241 in the first, and they've scored in the first just 19 times in 54 games. The Tigers have also been held scoreless in the opening frame in three of their last five contests, and they have scored in the first a mere 16 times in 2026.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Detroit SportsNet, Angels.TV
Mariners at Athletics: YRFI (-130)
The main reason I am eyeing a run to come across the plate in the first between the Seattle Mariners and the Athletics tonight is due to Luis Severino's struggles in the opening frame. He's allowed a run in the first in back-to-back starts, and in five of his 11 outings overall this season.
Emerson Hancock has only given up a run twice in 10 appearances in 2026, and the A's are hitting only .202 in the first. Severino has surrendered seven earned runs across his last two, and Seattle just scored nine runs in the series opener.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCS-California, Mariners.TV
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 12-21, -0.44 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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