There are 16 MLB games scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, as the Washington Nationals take on the Chicago White Sox. This means that there are 16 first innings expected to be played. If you’re a bettor who enjoys wagering on whether or not a run will be scored in the first inning, this is a great slate for you. With that in mind, here are our best NRFI bets for Tuesday’s action with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook,
Teddy Ricketson’s 2024 record against NRFI: 26-17-1
Best NRFI bets: Tuesday, May 14
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago White Sox (-130)
The Nationals and the White Sox were rained out on Monday but will play two on Tuesday. Washington averages the fewest first-inning runs in the league (0.23). The White Sox don’t fare much better, averaging 0.44 (13th-fewest). Washington is starting Trevor Williams with a 4-0 record and a 1.96 ERA, and he should be able to help keep this game scoreless through the first inning.
Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves (-130)
The Cubs and the Braves will play the second game of their three-game series on Tuesday. Neither team scored in the first inning on Monday, with the game’s first run being tallied in the bottom of the sixth. Chicago will start Jameson Taillon (3-0, 1.13 ERA), while Atlanta counters with Chris Sale (5-1, 2.95 ERA). With the struggles the Braves’ lineup has had scoring runs, the first inning should remain scoreless in this one.
Game To Avoid
Cleveland Guardians vs. Texas Rangers
Admittedly, Cleveland scores the ninth-fewest first-inning runs in the league, averaging just 0.40. But, on Tuesday, they have a good matchup against the Rangers. Texas will start rookie Jack Leiter, who has struggled in his first two career appearances. He’s allowed 13 runs (11 earned) in just 7.2 innings of work. Leiter has gotten through the first inning unscathed so far, but the Guardians at least have a good matchup. Texas averages the seventh-most first-inning runs in the league, giving even more upside to a run being scored.