Best NRFI Bets Today: MLB No Run First Inning Picks for Friday, Aug. 28
The best NRFI bets today give bettors two pitching matchups worth targeting on Friday’s MLB slate, and we’re playing the Rays and Astros games. In Tampa Bay, Shane McClanahan takes the mound for the Rays against Padres right-hander Casey Mize. McClanahan enters with a 3.12 ERA, while Mize owns a 3.44 ERA, creating a strong foundation for a scoreless opening frame.
Meanwhile, Hunter Brown starts for Houston against Mets righty Christian Scott. Brown has posted a 3.51 ERA this season, while Scott carries a 3.73 mark, making this another appealing NRFI opportunity.
⚾ Best NRFI bets today: Aug. 28
See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds.
| ⚾ NRFI pick | 💵 Units | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Padres vs. Rays NRFI (-113 via FanDuel) | 1.13u → 1u | Both starting pitchers have done very well to the NRFI. I expect that to continue in this affair. |
| Astros vs. Mets NRFI (-128 via DraftKings) | 1.28u → 1u | Both offenses have struggled, and both pitchers have the stuff to get through the first inning unscathed. |
Total wagered: 2.41 units | Max profit: 2 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
💰 Best NRFI bet today
Padres vs. Rays (7:10 ET)
- Casey Mize (3.44 ERA) vs. Shane McClanahan (3.10 ERA)
- NRFI records: Padres (76.87%) vs. Rays (68.42%)
We’re betting NRFI in Padres vs. Rays because this matchup features two starting pitchers who have been excellent in the opening inning. San Diego sends Casey Mize to the mound, and he owns a 0.45 first-inning ERA, allowing just one earned run across 20 first innings this season.
Tampa Bay counters with Shane McClanahan, who has posted a 2.05 first-inning ERA, with opponents hitting only .175 against him in the opening frame. With both pitchers limiting early damage and the matchup rated among Friday’s best NRFI opportunities, we’re backing a scoreless first inning.
📡 SBR Edge: Strong pitching earns the NRFI winner.
The pitching should carry us to an NRFI win, with Casey Mize and Shane McClanahan both bringing strong overall numbers into this matchup. Mize owns a 3.44 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, while McClanahan has posted a 3.10 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, giving us two starters capable of keeping traffic off the bases early
🔥 More NRFI picks today
Astros vs. Mets (7:10 ET)
- Hunter Brown (3.51 ERA) vs. Christian Scott (3.73)
- NRFI records: Astros (66.42%) vs. Mets (73.11%)
We’re backing the NRFI in Astros vs. Mets because both teams send capable right-handers to the mound in Hunter Brown and Christian Scott. Brown enters with a 3.51 ERA and 76 strikeouts, while Scott has posted a 3.73 ERA with 111 strikeouts across 89.1 innings.
Scott has also recorded at least six strikeouts in each of his last seven starts, showing his ability to miss bats early. With two pitchers capable of limiting hard contact and generating strikeouts, we’re confident they can keep both offenses off the scoreboard in the opening inning.
🚀 Best NRFI parlay today
💵 Best NRFI parlay today
- Padres vs. Rays NRFI (-113)
- Astros vs. Mets NRFI (-128)
Best odds: +233 via FanDuel (.1u -> .23u)
💵 My betting record for MLB picks
All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 7, 2026.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 28-21-1 | +5.2 units ✅ | 79.76% ✅ |
| Game picks | 18-8-0 | +7.9 units ✅ | 56.99% ✅ |
| Player props | 7-11-1 | -6.3 units ❌ | 48.91% ❌ |
| Parlays | 3-2-0 | +3.6 units ✅ | +88.88% ✅ |
❓ NRFI betting FAQ
Follow all of our MLB analysis and expert predictions for baseball season.
What does NRFI mean in baseball betting?
NRFI stands for "No Run First Inning." It's a popular MLB bet that neither team will score in the first inning of a game, and the bet settles after just six outs (three per half-inning).
What does YRFI mean?
YRFI stands for "Yes Run First Inning" - the opposite of a NRFI. This MLB prop bet cashes if there's at least one run by either team in the first inning.
What should I look for when betting NRFIs?
Each team's starting pitcher is the biggest factor in cashing a NRFI bet, but you should also focus on each team's NRFI records (home vs. away) and each lineup's first-inning tendencies. Recent form can also play a bigger role than full-season numbers.
Related Articles
