Every team is expected to be in action on Sunday, May 5, barring inclement weather. This brings 15 chances for bettors to wage on whether or not a first-inning run will be scored by either team. No run first inning (NRFI) and yes run first inning (YRFI) bets are growing in popularity as you not only have the bet resolving early, but you’re hanging on every pitch. With that in mind, here are our best NRFI bets for Sunday’s slate, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook,
Teddy Ricketson’s 2024 record against NRFI: 21-11-1
Best NRFI bets: Sunday, May 5
Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees (-170)
The Yankees have won the first two games of this series. The teams each scored a run in the series opener’s first inning on Friday, but neither scored in the first on Saturday. Sunday’s pitching matchup pits Tarik Skubal (4-0, 1.72 ERA) against Nestor Cortes (1-3, 3.86 ERA). Skubal has allowed a first-inning run in two of his last three starts but has a good matchup against New York, as it has been inconsistent at the top of its lineup. Cortes hasn’t allowed a first-inning run in any of his last three starts.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Cincinnati Reds (-110)
Baltimore will start Dean Kremer (2-2, 4.19 ERA), who hasn’t allowed a first-inning run in any of his last three starts. Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is off to a great start this season but has allowed a first-inning run in two of his last three appearances. Neither team has scored in the first inning in the series, and I think that trend continues on Sunday.
Game To Avoid
Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Guardians
Neither team has scored a run in the first inning in this series so far, but this choice comes purely down to the pitching matchup. Griffin Canning (1-3, 7.45 ERA) will start for the Angels, and Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 6.59 ERA) will take the mound for the Guardians. Both pitchers have allowed at least one first-inning run in two of their last three starts.