We’re a week into the 2025 season, which makes this the perfect time to start placing some MLB prop bets. One of the quickest, and most exciting, wagers on the board is No Runs in the First Inning (NRFI). Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups struggle, is key to cashing in on this bet. Several afternoon home openers are on tap for Friday, treating baseball fans to nearly 11 hours of action.
Ahead of a loaded 14-game slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Athletics vs. Rockies NRFI (-115)
The beauty of the NRFI prop bet is that it gives meaning to ‘hold your nose’ matchups. Hopefully for those forced to watch A’s-Rockies in Denver, this wager cashes quickly. Both lineups are among the league’s worst, ranking inside the bottom 11 in runs scored last season. That’s continued to 2025, where Oakland Sacramento is 23rd (3.29) and Colorado is dead last (1.83) in runs per game.
Neither Osvaldo Bido (Athletics) or Ryan Feltner (Rockies) inspires much confidence on the mound. That’s especially true inside the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. Still, these offenses have been extra-pathetic at the start of games. The A’s have scored once in the first inning over seven outings, while Colorado has been held scoreless. Ballpark factors don’t magically erase hitting ineptitude; this is a true value play at -115.
Dodgers vs. Phillies NRFI (-120)
It’s rare to see a marquee matchup in April, but that’s the case in Philadelphia tonight. World Series contenders will meet at Citizen’s Bank Park when the Dodgers face the Phillies. In this battle of National League titans, LA will send out high-priced arm Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Japanese ace struggled in this spot last season, pitching to a 6.00 first inning ERA. However, that number is misleading; the right-hander’s 2024 NRFI rate was 70%. It helps that the Phillies have yet to score in the first frame this season.
For the home team, Jesus Luzardo will get the nod on Friday. The left-hander is looking to bounce back following an ineffective, injury-plagued campaign in Miami. However, the 27-year-old only allowed three first inning runs during 12 starts last year. Over four career appearances vs. the Dodgers, Luzardo has recorded a 3.48 ERA. In this must-see showdown, expect pitching to dominate early.
Orioles vs. Royals NRFI (-120)
In another intriguing contest, the Orioles and Royals will meet for the first time since last postseason. During the Wildcard Series, Kansas City’s pitching held the Birds to one run over two games. Don’t expect the same level of dominance tonight, but it’s clear this matchup is a challenge for the visitors. KC will hand the ball to All-Star Seth Lugo, who has thrived in this spot. Over 33 starts last season, the veteran allowed just eight first inning runs (1.91 ERA).
On the other side, Baltimore will counter with Dean Kremer. The righty isn’t an ace, but he’s a reliable presence on this pitching staff. He comes out of the gates strong, pitching to a 1.88 first inning ERA last season. Both lineups have stars at the top of the order, but it’s impossible to ignore the NRFI trends on the mound.
