Best NRFI Bets Today: Top No Run First Inning Picks & Predictions for Aug. 18

My best NRFI bets today break down the top no run first inning picks across Tuesday's MLB slate with pitcher matchup analysis for each game.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Robbie Ray - who's featured in my best NRFI bets today - throws a pitch during the first inning.
Pictured: San Diego Padres starting pitcher Robbie Ray - who's featured in my best NRFI bets today - throws a pitch during the first inning. Photo by: David Frerker-Imagn Images
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🤑 Best NRFI Bets Today for Tuesday (Aug. 18)

Today, we're tackling the White Sox vs. Cubs and Padres vs. Mets to get the juices flowing on this fine Tuesday. We're 3-1 over our last couple days, so let's bring those units home with our best NRFI bets today.


⚾ Best NRFI bets today: Tuesday, August 18

See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds. Odds via FanDuel.

⚾ NRFI pick 💵 Units 📝 Notes
White Sox vs. Cubs NRFI (+100) 2u -> 2.00u White Sox own a .218 xBA against Gausman
Padres vs. Mets NRFI (-125) 1u -> 0.80u Ray owns a 30% K rate vs. Mets

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.80 units

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💰 Best NRFI bets today (Tuesday, Aug. 18)

White Sox vs. Cubs NRFI (+100) - 8:05 p.m. ET

  • Bryan Hudson (3.14 ERA) vs. Kevin Gausman (4.53 ERA)
  • NRFI records: White Sox (55-69) vs. Cubs (69-57)

Make no mistake, my money is going to Gausman in this specific matchup, as he's holding this White Sox team to a .277 xwOBA while striking them out at a 22% clip across 41 plate appearances. That'll play for us looking for six simple outs. Hudson goes for the Sox tonight as the opener, and outside of allowing three earned runs to the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 11, he's been lights out, throwing up zeros in his last seven outings. I'd price this closer to -120 - let's run with this value.

Padres vs. Mets NRFI (-125) - 7:10 p.m. ET

  • Robbie Ray (3.28 ERA) vs. Zac Thornton (2.78 ERA)
  • NRFI records: Padres (77-49) vs. Mets (64-62)

That's two strong NRFI teams going toe-to-toe tonight, with the Padres rolling out their prized trade deadline acquisition, Mr. Ray. The sample size from the lefty is large and successful - owning an astronomical 36% whiff rate against these Mets, which includes a combined 3-for-22 mark between Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien (seven strikeouts overall). On the other side is Thornton, who's riding a hot hand right now, allowing just three earned runs across his last 11 innings. Let's ride this play with confidence as part of our best NRFI bets today.

💣️ More MLB player props for Tuesday

Looking for more plays? Look no further than Corey Scott's home run predictions today.


💵 My betting record for MLB picks

All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 26.

Bet type Record Net profit
NRFI picks 62-59 +3.53 units 

💡 How I'm betting NRFI picks today (August 18)

Follow all of our MLB analysis and expert predictions for baseball season.

A NRFI (No Run First Inning) bet carries high variance, meaning success requires a disciplined, daily dive into the data. Before placing a wager, run through a strict checklist: analyze how the starting pitcher matches up against the top three hitters in the lineup, track underlying metrics like strikeout rates (K%) and expected batting averages (xBA), and review recent team-specific first-inning scoring trends. Because a single mistake or lucky hit can ruin the bet instantly, always use this daily routine to guide your wagers and scale your unit sizing accordingly to protect your bankroll.