Best NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Picks For Monday, Aug. 18

Welcome to our best NRFI bets today for Monday, Aug. 18.

We've got a large MLB slate today and two plays we absolutely love - let's build our collective bankroll to start the week, shall we?

We now sit comfortably with a 65-51 record (+3.28u) on the year. Let's dive into my first-inning picks and predictions for today using odds from our best sports betting sites.  

All of these plays are one-unit wagers unless specified otherwise.

💰 Best NRFI picks today: Monday, Aug. 18

• Toronto Blue Jays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (-170 at DraftKings)
• Seattle Mariners vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-130 at FanDuel)

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⚾️ Blue Jays vs. Pirates - 6:40 p.m. ET

Kevin Gausman (3.79 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (2.13 ERA)
NRFI record: Blue Jays (63-62) vs. Pirates (74-51)

You know we hardly ever miss a Skenes bump day when it comes to our best NRFI bets today, and tonight is no exception. 

The Jays (outside of Ty France, who has two plate appearances) have never faced Skenes, which should help us get three simple outs in the top of the first inning. The electric right-hander has allowed just one run in the opening frame all season. I like our chances.

We're betting on Gausman at the perfect time - he's been lights-out in four of his last five starts. Across his last 14 innings, he's allowed just three earned runs, giving us all the confidence in the world that he'll put up a goose egg in the first inning.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -170 at DraftKings

⚾️ Mariners vs. Phillies - 6:45 p.m. ET

Logan Gilbert (3.31 ERA) vs. Ranger Suarez (3.29 ERA)
NRFI record: Mariners (65-60) vs. Phillies (68-56)

Two strong NRFI teams as part of our best NRFI bets today? Sign me up.

When you look deeper at this specific pitching matchup, the math is adding up, too. Gilbert has historically dominated the Phillies, who own just a .205 batting average against him across 80 plate appearances. That includes Trea Turner (0-for-6) and Kyle Schwarber (3-for-12).

It's looking warm and fuzzy on the other side with Suarez, as well. Eugenio Suarez, Josh Naylor, and Cal Raleigh are a combined 2-for-12 against the left-hander, leaving us with a good opportunity to sweep the slate today.

I'd price this play closer to -150 betting odds than the -130 we're getting with FanDuel. Lock this in before the lines shift prior to first pitch.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -130 at FanDuel

❓ Best NRFI bets today FAQs

What is a NRFI bet?

A NRFI bet is a wager on a matchup to go scoreless in the first inning. You can either wager “No Runs First Inning” or “Yes Runs First Inning” depending on the type of bet you'd like to make.

How do I place a NRFI bet?

To place a NRFI bet, simply go to one of our best sportsbooks, head over to the market and your game of choice. Then click on “first inning.” You should see an option to bet on a NRFI or a YRFI.

Can you parlay a NRFI bet?

The simple answer is yes! Just like making any parlay, you can combine two or more NRFIs across the MLB slate for any given day.

💡 Expert MLB predictions today

• MLB home run predictions today
• Best NRFI bets today
• Brewers vs. Cubs doubleheader prediction
• Astros vs. Tigers prediction
• Blue Jays vs. Pirates prediction
• Mariners vs. Phillies prediction
• Reds vs. Angels prediction

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