With an intriguing matchup on the mound, I'm expecting a low-scoring first inning between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins in their series opener.
That game headlines my favorite MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI predictions and YRFI picks for Friday, May 29.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
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Marlins at Mets: NRFI (-145)
A pair of studs take the hill tonight between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets.
Max Meyer gets the ball for the visitors, and he's collected a 2.52 ERA this season. The right-hander has a 9-2 NRFI/YRFI record as well, and he's held the Mets to a .094 average across 32 at-bats.
They failed to score off him in the first last Sunday.
Freddy Peralta counters for New York, and he hasn't allowed a run in the first inning in 10 straight appearances, and he's up against a Marlins lineup that doesn't often score in the first.
They're also batting just .239 in the opening frame, and he held them scoreless in the first last week.
I'd play this up to -160.
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Marlins.TV, WPIX-11
Cubs at Cardinals: NRFI (-120)
Shota Imanaga takes the hill for the Chicago Cubs tonight, and while he's struggled at times this season, the left-hander rarely gets in trouble in the first.
He owns a 8-3 NRFI/YRFI record, and he hasn't given up a run in the first in five straight. The St. Louis Cardinals haven't scored in the opening frame in nine games and counting.
The hosts will hand Kyle Leahy the ball, and he's also been lights out in the first, with a 9-1 NRFI/YRFI record.
The Cubbies are hitting only .222 in the first inning, and they've scored just 10 times in the opening frame in 2026.
This is a play I'd take up to -150.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MARQ, Cardinals.TV
Royals at Rangers: NRFI (-130)
The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers are both struggling to score runs right now, and the pitching matchup here will make it difficult to get things going early on.
Stephen Kolek has a 2.77 ERA, and he hasn't allowed a run in the first once this year across four starts.
MacKenzie Gore has an ERA over 4.00, but he's usually came out unscathed in the opening frame, posting a 8-3 NRFI/YRFI record in '26.
The Royals' offense hasn't came across the dish in the first in four straight, while Texas has been held scoreless in the first in four of their previous six games.
I'll confidently ride this pick up to -140.
- Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Royals.TV, KDAF-CW33
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 14-24, -0.35 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) predictions add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting 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 pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting 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 picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those 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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