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Best NRFI Bets Today: MLB No Run First Inning Picks for Friday, Aug. 7

My best NRFI bets today break down the top no run first inning picks across Friday's MLB slate with pitcher matchup analysis for each game.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws as we break down our best NRFI bets today.
Pictured: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws as we break down our best NRFI bets today. Photo by Ken Blaze / Imagn Images.
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📡 SBR Edge: Dodgers Stay Hot Early vs. Kelly

My best NRFI bets today feature Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks YRFI (-110) and Rockies vs. Cardinals NRFI (-104). L.A. has been productive offensively early in recent games, while Kyle Leahy hasn't allowed a first-inning run in seven straight starts.


⚾ Best NRFI bets today: Aug. 7

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

⚾ NRFI pick πŸ’΅ Units πŸ“ Notes
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks YRFI (-110 via BetMGM) 2.2u β†’ 2u The Dodgers have scored 4 first-inning runs across their last 3 games.
Rockies vs. Cardinals NRFI (-104 via FanDuel) 1.56u β†’ 1.5u Leahy hasn't allowed a first-inning run in 7 straight starts.

Total wagered: 3.76 units | Max profit: 3.5 units

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πŸ’° Best NRFI bet today

Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks YRFI (9:40 p.m. ET)

  • Roki Sasaki (4.64 ERA) vs. Merrill Kelly (5.04 ERA)
  • NRFI records: Dodgers (57-58) vs. Diamondbacks (52-64)

The Dodgers have lost six straight, but their offense hasn't been that bad - especially early in games. Los Angeles has scored a total of four runs in the first innings of its last three contests, including a leadoff Shohei Ohtani home run Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

Ohtani has a favorable matchup against Merrill Kelly today - which I break down further in my best home run predictions today - and I wouldn't be surprised if this YRFI cashes before the middle of the inning. Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks YRFI (-110) at BetMGM is the best line available among the top sports betting sites.

📡 SBR Edge: Dodgers' Lineup vs. Kelly

Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy are a combined 28-for-76 (.368) against Kelly in their careers, with four home runs and 10 RBIs.


πŸ”₯ More NRFI picks today

Rockies vs. Cardinals NRFI (8:15 p.m. ET)

  • Ryan Feltner (5.75 ERA) vs. Kyle Leahy (3.44 ERA)
  • NRFI records: Rockies (41-74) vs. Cardinals (63-52)

People see the Rockies' 41-74 NRFI record and assume that the YRFI is the smart play, but that isn't the case on the road. Their NRFIs hit at a much higher clip when they're on the road (26-30), and they should struggle to score against Leahy today.

The Cardinals righty has not allowed a first-inning run in any of his last seven starts, and Rockies batters are hitting just .118 against him in their careers. While Ryan Feltner is more likely to give up a run in the first inning, he hasn't done so in either of his last two starts.

Rockies vs. Cardinals NRFI (-104) at FanDuel is the best line available among the top sports betting apps.


πŸš€ Best NRFI parlay today

Parlaying these two bets at BetMGM pays +249.

💵 Best NRFI parlay today

  • Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks YRFI
  • Rockies vs. Cardinals NRFI

Best odds: +249 via BetMGM


πŸ’΅ My betting record for MLB picks

All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 25.

Bet type Record Net profit ROI
Overall 9-25-4 -0.46 units ❌ -1.4% βŒ
Player props 6-17-3 +0.5 units βœ… 2.8% βœ…
Game props 2-2 -0.78 units βŒ -9.5% βŒ
Moneylines 1-1-1 +0.11 units βœ… 1.7% βœ…
Parlays 0-5 -0.3 units βŒ -100% βŒ

❓ 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.