⚾ Best NRFI Bets Today: Top No Run First Inning Picks & Expert Predictions (May 22)
📡 SBR Edge: Best NRFI Bets Tonight for Friday (May 22)
We're now 23-14 over the last three weeks while generating nearly four units of profit this season. Tonight, we’re targeting the Guardians vs. Phillies and Rays vs. Yankees matchups to stay scoreless through the first inning. We're all over Gerrit Cole's return ahead of the weekend. Six outs is all we need.
⚾ Best NRFI bets tonight: May 22
See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds. Odds via FanDuel.
| ⚾ NRFI pick | 💵 Units | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guardians vs. Phillies NRFI (-145) | 2u → 1.37u | Sanchez gunning for NL Cy Young |
| Rays vs. Yankees NRFI (-105) | 1u -> 0.95u | Cole strikes Rays out at 21% clip |
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.32 units
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💰 Best NRFI bets tonight for Friday
Guardians vs. Phillies NRFI (-145) - 6:40 p.m. ET
- Gavin Williams (3.67 ERA) vs. Cristopher Sanchez (1.82 ERA)
- NRFI records: Guardians (30-22) vs. Phillies (22-28)
Sanchez has been a statistical goldmine for NRFI bettors this season because his sinking fastball and devastating changeup prevent opponents from elevating the baseball, resulting in an elite groundball rate, making him a legit NL Cy Young contender. Oddsmakers have set the game's total at a remarkably low seven runs, signaling a heavy defensive struggle right from the opening pitch. We shouldn't have an issue in the first frame with Williams limiting this Phillies lineup to a .219 xBA.
🤑 More MLB player props for Friday
Dive into Sean Tomlinson's home run predictions for Friday if you're looking to cash in on some long balls today.
Rays vs. Yankees NRFI (-105) - 7:05 p.m. ET
- Nick Martinez (1.51 ERA) vs. Gerrit Cole (0.00 ERA)
- NRFI records: Rays (25-23) vs. Yankees (22-29)
Nick Martinez has quietly been one of the most dominant and clinical arms in the American League this season. Carrying a 1.04 WHIP, Martinez excels at commanding the strike zone early in ballgames, which gives me all the confidence in the world he can neutralize the Yankees' top three. On the other side we have the return of ace Gerrit Cole, who's limited the Rays to a .304 xwOBA across 102 plate appearances. Let's sweep the board and build our bankroll before the weekend.
💵 My betting record for MLB picks
All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 26.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 32-30 | +3.71 units |
| NRFI picks | 30-28 | +2.26 units |
💡 How I'm betting NRFI picks tonight (May 22)
Follow all of our MLB analysis and expert predictions for baseball season.
No matter the day, I look at how a pitcher matches up specifically to the lineup he's taking on. What's their expected batting average against him? What's their strikeout rate? What's each team's NRFI record? More specifically, how do the top three batters fare against a specific pitcher? These are all thoughts that need to run through your mind before placing a high-variance bet like a NRFI, and slide your units accordingly.
❓ NRFI betting FAQ
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 an 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.,
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