Best NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Picks For Friday, Aug. 8

Welcome to our best NRFI bets today for Friday, Aug. 8.

After going 1-1 yesterday, we're back looking for six simple outs with a pair of plays I love today. Let's build our collective bankroll before the weekend, shall we?

We now sit comfortably with a 59-46 record (+3.06u) heading into the back half of the season. 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: Friday, Aug. 8

• Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers (-140 at DraftKings)
• Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins (-125 at FanDuel)

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⚾️ Angels vs. Tigers - 7:10 p.m. ET

Kyle Hendricks (4.59 ERA) vs. Tarik Skubal (2.18 ERA)
NRFI record: Angels (51-64) vs. Tigers (63-53)

We're getting strong sample sizes in both of our best NRFI bets today, but let's start in Detroit at Comerica Park.

Skubal, who's also highlighted in our Angels vs. Tigers prediction, has become a mainstay in this piece. The Cy Young odds favorite has been dominating the Angels across 29 plate appearances, striking them out at a resounding 34% clip and limiting their lineup to a .173 xBA. Additionally, he's not scared to pound the zone against these Angels, as Skubal hasn't given up a walk to them in his career. That'll play.

Hendricks will bring us home. He also hasn't walked a batter in the Tigers' lineup across 23 plate appearances, which makes me think Detroit will need to earn it in the first inning. Let's ride him to six outs tonight and kick off our weekend in style.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -140 at DraftKings

⚾️ Royals vs. Twins - 10:10 p.m. ET

Seth Lugo (3.07 ERA) vs. Joe Ryan (2.83 ERA)
NRFI record: Royals (70-45) vs. Twins (55-59)

We're getting one of the best NRFI teams in baseball and two of the top pitchers in the game. If that doesn't scream NRFI, then I don't know what does.

This play is also priced at a reasonable -125 through FanDuel. I'd lock it in anywhere close to -140 if the line moves prior to first pitch.

Hands up if you thought the Royals would be better this year. You can't see me, but my hand is up. It feels like they're trotting out an ace every other day, and Lugo is no exception. Lugo is punching out the Twins at a 31% rate across 41 plate appearances, and Minnesota just can't seem to square him up while logging just a .216 xBA and an average exit velocity of 89 mph.

Mr. Joe Ryan is doing much of the same to the Royals, who own a .291 xwOBA with 121 at-bats versus the right-hander. Not bad if you're looking for three outs. Let's play this at five stars of confidence as part of our best NRFI bets today.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -125 at FanDuel

💡 Expert MLB predictions today

• MLB home run predictions
• Best NRFI bets today
• Reds vs. Pirates prediction
• Astros vs. Yankees prediction
• Angels vs. Tigers prediction
• Blue Jays vs. Dodgers prediction

❓ 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.

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