Best NRFI Bets Today: No Run First Inning Picks For Thursday, July 24

Olson and Kikuchi highlight our best NRFI bets today. Can we build on our 56-34 record?

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 2:21 PM EDT • 4 minute read

Best NRFI Bets Today - Thursday, July 24 — Picture: Yusei Kikuchi - who's highlighted in our best NRFI bets today - throws a pitch during the first inning. Photo by: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Welcome to our best NRFI bets today for Thursday, July 24.

Alert the press - we are scorching hot after sweeping the slate again yesterday and full of confidence. Let's keep the momentum going on our trek to the moon during this beautiful Thursday.

We're now sitting at 56-34 on the campaign with 12.19 extra units in our pocket. Our collective bankroll is getting incredibly fat as the season rolls along. It's time to get into my first-inning picks and predictions using odds from our best sports betting sites.

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

💰 Best NRFI picks today: Thursday, July 24

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers (-115 at DraftKings)
Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels (-105 at FanDuel)

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

Eric Lauer (2.80 ERA) vs. Reese Olson (2.71 ERA)
NRFI record: Blue Jays (49-53) vs. Tigers (56-47)

It's the Lauer hour, baby, and we're riding him as part of our best NRFI bets today. While the Tigers own a .306 xBA against the lefty, they haven't seen this version of him.

Lauer is easily a totally different pitcher this season (that ERA is a career-best). He's earned two quality starts over his last three outings and is notorious for coming out of the gate hot, as the hurler hasn't allowed a run in the first frame across his last six appearances.

Olson has been a cash cow for us this season, too, and it helps that he's been dominating the Blue Jays over his career. Across 39 plate appearances, Toronto owns just a .133 xBA (.083 average), which includes shutting down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1-for-6), George Springer (0-for-6), and Bo Bichette (1-for-7).

There shouldn't be a problem getting through the first inning unscathed with Olson on the mound.

The public is also riding this play with us, as it's among the most-bet NRFIs today, according to insights from BetMGM.

Confidence level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best NRFI bets today: -115 at DraftKings

⚾️ Mariners vs. Angels - 9:38 p.m. ET

Logan Evans (3.81 ERA) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (3.13 ERA)
NRFI record: Mariners (52-50) vs. Angels (44-58)

This isn't the most conventional NRFI, and let's just get that out of the way. But I love this play for a few reasons.

For one, Kikuchi has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for stretches this season. However, we've taken him a few times as part of our best NRFI bets today, and there hasn't been a strong return on our investment. I'm betting on him in this spot because he's historically pitched well against the Mariners, who own just a .199 xBA against him. Let's get the good version of Kikuchi tonight.

On the other side is Evans, who's done a great job getting us three simple outs this season. While the Angels haven't seen him at all (which has worked out for us this year if you've been following), he's allowed a run in the first inning just once all campaign. Let's ride him again.

I'd price this play closer to -120 betting odds, so the -105 we're getting from FanDuel provides us with a great opportunity to hit on some value.

Best NRFI bets today: -105 at FanDuel

💡 Expert MLB predictions today

❓ 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.

💵 Best MLB betting sites

Want to bet on baseball? Check out the best MLB betting sites and best sportsbook promos for today's games:

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DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
Hard Rock Bet Promo Code | Read our Hard Rock Bet Review

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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.