You couldn’t avoid Major League Baseball on Saturday if you tried, as every team will play on a 15-game slate. That means we’ve got our pick of the litter when finding the best NRFI bets.
If you haven’t doubled in this fun prop, you just need to pick the matchup where you think the two teams will combine for at least one run in the first inning or not.
Let’s kick our MLB picks off in Minneapolis, where opposite forces will collide when the Astros visit the Twins.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
@ 
YRFI (-104 at ProphetX)
@ 
NRFI (-112 at ProphetX)
@ 
NRFI (-120 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
Astros at Twins: YRFI (-104 at ProphetX)
The Houston Astros are one of five teams in the Major League that have yet to score a first-inning run.
However, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been in games where a run hasn’t been scored in the opening frame, which has happened in back-to-back outings.
On the flip side, you’ve got the Minnesota Twins, who lead the majors in first-inning score games, with at least one run plating in six of their first seven matchups.
Despite getting bombed for eight earned runs and eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings of work, Minny starter Bailey Ober was staked to a 1-run lead in the first inning, which he promptly watched disintegrate.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti was awesome in his debut, pitching six innings of one-hit ball, giving up just a single earned run in a 2-1 win over New York, keeping that first inning clean.
But Minnesota, albeit in a small sample, has hit him pretty well, batting .400 as a team. All those factors are enough for me to lean to another YRFI.
Mets at Blue Jays: NRFI (-112 at ProphetX)
The New York Mets are one of the hottest YRFI teams in baseball right now, as a first-inning run was scored in every game of their 3-game set with the Marlins.
They’ll open a series Saturday with the Toronto Blue Jays, who have seen a first-inning run in four of their seven games to kick off 2025. But the pitching matchup has me thinking NRFI.
Jays starter Chris Bassitt surrendered an opening run to Baltimore in his debut, then watched Toronto tack on two of their own in the home half, giving him enough to pitch for the win.
Conversely, Griffin Canning was part of a clean first inning in his start against the Astros, though he did take the loss in a 2-1 game.
Both pitchers have their opponents hitting under .200 against them. And last year, a first-run score happened just once in three games between these teams.
Rays at Rangers: NRFI (-120 at ProphetX)
Let’s finish with one of the pitching matchups of interest that we’ve seen so far this season, when the Tampa Bay Rays play the Texas Rangers.
Texas will send out Jacob DeGrom, and he was great in the Rangers’ 3-2 win over Boston. Though he didn’t factor into a decision, he pitched five innings of scoreless ball, giving up just two hits and fanning six.
Taj Bradley had a clean first in his debut for the Rays. Bradley scattered five hits across six innings, allowing just two runs and striking out seven. I’m looking forward to the pitching duel and a clean first inning.
❓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.
