Every team is scheduled to be in action on Sunday, May 19. This means that bettors will have 15 first innings to wager whether or not a run will be scored. Taking a no-run first-inning (NRFI) bet has you hanging on every pitch and comes with an early return either way. Here are our best NRFI bets for Sunday, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook,
Teddy Ricketson’s 2024 record against NRFI: 31-24-1
Best NRFI bets: Sunday, May 19
Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-125)
These teams are on opposite ends of the first-inning runs spectrum. Washington averages the fewest first-inning runs (0.23), while Philadelphia averages the most (0.91). Phillies starter Aaron Nola will be making his second start of the season against Washington, and he pitched 5.2 scoreless innings in the first. Nationals starting pitcher Trevor Williams hasn’t allowed a first-inning run in four consecutive starts, with the last coming on April 20 against the Houston Astros.
Seattle Mariners vs. Baltimore Orioles (-145)
The Mariners will start George Kirby, while the Orioles counter with Corbin Burnes. These teams have split this series, but they have also split in regards to scoring in the first-inning. They combined for six runs in the first inning of Friday’s game but went into the second inning of Saturday’s rematch scoreless. Seattle averages the third-fewest first-inning runs (0.30), and Baltimore ranks in the middle of the league (0.49). Mariners starter George Kirby hasn’t allowed a first-inning run in two of his last three starts and should be able to help get to the second inning unscathed.
Game To Avoid
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants
Colorado’s starting pitchers tend to struggle with control even when away from Coors Field. The Rockies will start Dakota Hudson (1-6, 6.13 ERA) on Sunday, and he has allowed at least three earned runs in six of his eight starts this season. Hudson gave up five in his last start against San Francisco, but none came in the first inning. The Giants will start Jordan Hicks (3-1, 2.44 ERA), who has allowed at least two earned runs in three consecutive starts, including three against the Rockies 11 days ago.