It's a busy Friday for baseball, as no less than 14 games are on tap.
A lot of teams got Thursday off to regroup, as only the Cincinnati Reds will be in the same matchup on Friday.
This gives us a whole fresh set of matchups for betting the No Run First Inning, or Yes Run First Inning.
If you're new to this bet, there's not much to it.
Simply pick the matchup where you think the two teams will combine for at least one run in the first inning or not.
Read on for my best NRFI bets and MLB picks for Friday, April 4.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
@ 
NRFI (-116 at ProphetX)
@ 
YRFI (+102 at ProphetX)
@ 
NRFI (-122 at ProphetX)
GET THE BEST ODDS ACROSS 40+ STATES WITH PROPHETX
Download ProphetX today using code Covers and earn up to 300 in Prophet Cash over your first 30 days.
ProphetX is the first ever peer-to-peer sports exchange, play against others, not the house — even request your own odds!
Eligible U.S. locations only. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NRFI/YRFI bets for March 19
Dodgers vs Phillies: NRFI (-116 at ProphetX)
The Philadelphia Phillies are off to a quick start this year, winning five of their first six games, yet they are one of six teams left that hasn't scored a run in the first inning in a game this season.
Their hot start, like everyone else's, has been overshadowed by the Big Blue monolith that is the LA Dodgers, who set a major league record by going 8-0 out of the gate as a defending champion.
The first-inning runs weren't happening early, though; in three of the last four games, runs have been plated in the first inning.
The pitching matchup has me leaning toward the NRFI.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has allowed just three earned runs over two starts to his big-league career.
Only five Dodgers have even stepped into the batter's box with Phillies starter Jesus Lazardo, and they are hitting a collective .136 against him
Orioles vs Royals: YRFI (+102 at ProphetX)
We're just over a week into the season, and every team has now been blanked in the first inning.
The Baltimore Orioles sit at the top of the standings, having seen a first run scored in five of their seven games.
Friday shouldn't be an exception, as they square off with the Kansas City Royals.
Baltimore is trotting out righty Dean Kremer, who gave up five earned runs and five hits but ended up taking the win in a slugfest, with the O's prevailing 9-5.
Kremer ended up surrendering two runs in the first, wiping out the two-run lead his team spotted him.
While he didn't lose, it wasn't a great start for KC's Seth Lugo, who lasted five innings and gave up three earned runs in a game the Royals ended up winning 4-3.
I like Baltimore's bats getting on him early in this one.
Guardians vs Angels: NRFI (-122 at ProphetX)
We'll close it out with another team that's kept their first inning pretty clean: the Cleveland Guardians, who have only seen a first-inning run in five of their first six games of the season.
The LA Angels, meanwhile, are right down the middle in first-inning runs in their games, but they'll be sending Jose Soriana to the bump.
The 26-year-old pitched a gem in his debut, going seven innings of 2-hit ball with no runs allowed and five strikeouts.
The Guardians, as a team, have only had 21 at-bats against him, though they are hitting .333.
Gavin Williams is on the bump for Cleveland, and he got through a scoreless first inning in his debut start against the Royals.
The 25-year-old will be facing LA for the first time, and they're off to a slow start offensively, hitting .213 as a team and 24th in total runs scored.
❓What are NRFI and YRFI bets❓
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.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
