Best NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Picks for Friday, July 11

Skubal and Skenes highlight our best NRFI bets today. Can we build on our 45-31 record?

Last Updated: July 11, 2025 12:00 PM EDT • 4 minute read

Welcome to our best NRFI bets today for Friday, July 11. Sound the alarm, as we've swept the slate in back-to-back days and are ready to do it one more time to close out the week.

We're now sitting at 45-31 with 7.43 extra units in our pocket this season. Let's kick off the weekend with some extra funds in our collective wallet. It's time to get into my first-inning picks and predictions using odds from the best sports betting sites.

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

Best NRFI picks today: Friday, July 11

Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers (-165 at FanDuel)
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Minnesota Twins (-175 at DraftKings)

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Mariners vs. Tigers - 7:10 p.m. ET

Luis Castillo (3.31 ERA) vs. Tarik Skubal (2.02 ERA)
NRFI record: Mariners (45-48) vs. Tigers (50-44)

This should be a slam dunk as part of our best NRFI bets today, with two of the best pitchers in baseball going head-to-head.

If you've been following, you know we love large sample sizes here, and that's exactly what we're getting between Castillo and Skubal. The Tigers' lineup has posted 101 plate appearances against Castillo while managing just a .269 xBA and .298 xwOBA against him. He shouldn't struggle to get the best offense in baseball out in the first frame.

On the other side, I'd trust Skubal with pretty much anything in my life. He's striking out this Mariners lineup at a 25% clip across 83 plate appearances, which should be enough to get our fifth consecutive NRFI win.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -165 at FanDuel

Pirates vs. Twins - 8:10 p.m. ET

Paul Skenes (1.94 ERA) vs. Joe Ryan (2.76 ERA)
NRFI record: Pirates (55-39) vs. Twins (43-50)

Paul Skenes vs. Joe Ryan is another wager that just needs to be played as part of our best NRFI bets today.

We don't get the same large sample size here, but Skenes has been downright dominant despite Pittsburgh's offense and its inability to back up his incredible numbers. It's quite a crime.

Skenes hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 innings, and we'll look for much of the same against the Twins.

As for Ryan against the Pirates? See the above tweet for further details. They can't score, and the Twins' ace has been dominating them over his career, striking out Pittsburgh's batters at a 25% clip. The projected top four of the lineup is also 2-for-10 against Ryan lifetime.

If you're looking for a more significant payout between these two NRFIs, I'd suggest parlaying them at +152 betting odds. A $10 wager will bring you a $15 return, which should get you an extra beer or two for the weekend.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -175 at DraftKings

Looking for a challenge? Make sure to join our home run derby challenge for the All-Star Game festivities.

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❓ 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 your favorite sportsbook, head over to the market and game of your choice. Then click on “first inning.” You should see an option to bet on a NRFI or a YRFI from there.

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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Written by:
Dustin Saracini

Dustin Saracini is a Senior Publishing Editor & Analyst for Sportsbook Review. Dustin has been in the industry for 11-plus years, making various stops across Canada while gaining tremendous experience within the sports and betting landscape. Dustin has hosted multiple shows during his time in the sports betting industry, discussing NBA, NFL, PGA, and MLB betting markets with top handicappers from around the country, and has appeared on CNN as a betting consultant. Dustin wagers every single day and line shops at all of the top sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars). He firmly believes that discipline is the only way you can become a profitable bettor. Dustin graduated from Western University with a broadcast journalism degree/diploma in 2014. If you want to see more of his plays, make sure to follow his Twitter @DustinSaracini. Follow for picks, strategies, and more.