⚾ Best NRFI Bets Today: Top No Run First Inning Picks & Predictions (May 28)
📡 SBR Edge: Best NRFI Bets Today for Thursday (May 28)
We're now 26-19 over the last month after a night we'd like to forget. Tonight, we’re targeting high strikeout numbers once again between the Cubs vs. Pirates and Astros vs. Rangers matchups. Let's get back on track with six simple outs and fire up our best NRFI bets today.
⚾ Best NRFI bets today: May 28
See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds. Odds via FanDuel.
| ⚾ NRFI pick | 💵 Units | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cubs vs. Pirates NRFI (-140) | 2u → 1.42u | Skenes is striking out the Cubs at a 30% rate |
| Astros vs. Rangers NRFI (-135) | 1u -> 0.74u | Eovaldi is striking out the Astros at a 27% rate |
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.16 units
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💰 Best NRFI bets today for Thursday
Cubs vs. Pirates NRFI (-140) - 6:40 p.m. ET
- Colin Rea (4.83 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (3.00 ERA)
- NRFI records: Cubs (35-21) vs. Pirates (27-29)
I've never seen a Skenes start I didn't like. Not only are we seeing a fantastic sample size between the dynamic righty and the Cubs (106 plate appearances against), but he's striking this team out at a 30% rate while limiting them to a .232 xBA. What really brings this home for me? Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman are a combined 4-for-18 with six strikeouts between the two. While I am worried about Rea, he really just needs to get past Bryan Reynolds, who owns a lifetime .421 BA against him.
🤑 More MLB player props for Thursday
Dive into Mike Spector's home run predictions today for Thursday if you're looking to cash in on some long balls today.
Astros vs. Rangers NRFI (-135) - 8:05 p.m. ET
- Spencer Arrighetti (1.32 ERA) vs. Nathan Eovaldi (3.65 ERA)
- NRFI records: Astros (22-35) vs. Rangers (19-36)
Two bad NRFI records, but two pitchers who dominate these respective lineups. That's why looking into matchups is important before you place your bets. Arrighetti has completely shut down the Texas lineup over 39 plate appearances, limiting them to a .178 xBA with an average 88 MPH exit velo. Of the 12 Rangers hitters he's faced, he's left eight of them hitless - that'll play. Eovaldi has just as much success against Houston, but with 151 at-bats against him under his belt. Striking these Astros out at a 27% clip, the only hitter we really need to worry about is Yordan Alvarez (12-for-23 vs. Eovaldi), who's on a tear right now.
🎟️ Most-bet NRFIs today
| Matchup | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers | -120 |
| Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox | -135 |
| Atlanta Braves at Boston Red Sox | -160 |
| Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates | -140 |
| Houston Astros at Texas Rangers | -145 |
💵 My betting record for MLB picks
All MLB picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 26.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 35-31 | +4.03 units |
| NRFI picks | 33-29 | +2.49 units |
💡 How I'm betting NRFI picks today (May 28)
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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