Baseball fans will be treated to a loaded 15-game slate of MLB action on FRiday. All 30 teams are taking the field, making this the perfect time to place some prop bets, including 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. Numerous high-profile starters are set to take the mound tonight, giving bettors several enticing options.
Ahead of Friday’s action, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Angels vs. Astros NRFI (-115)
It’s been a very unusual start to 2025 for an Astros team that typically mashes the ball. Through 12 contests, Houston ranks 28th in runs scored per game (3.18). Big bats such as Yordan Alvarez (.195 batting average), Christian Walker (.146) and Yanier Diaz (.061) have all struggled. The ‘Stros still have yet to score a first-inning run at home this season.
On the other side, it’s been a surprisingly competent first month at the plate for Los Angeles. The same can’t be said for Houston starter Ronel Blanco, owner of a 9.45 ERA. Still, the right-hander has dominated this matchup throughout his career, holding the Angels to five runs over 19.1 innings. This season, the Halos haven’t score a first inning run in 66.7% of their games on the road. There’s a good chance that continues on Friday night.
Phillies vs. Cardinals NRFI (-120)
Two of baseball’s hardest-hitting offenses will meet in Missouri tonight. The Cardinals lead the league in hits per game (10.25), while the Phillies ranks sixth (8.67). So, why does this matchup make sense as an NRFI prop bet? For starters, Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola is taking the mound. Despite some early-season struggles, the righty remains one of the sport’s best pitchers. He’s had notable success in this spot, recording a 2.45 ERA over 13 career appearances vs. St. Louis.
The same can’t be said for Cardinals starter Andre Pallante, who often splits time between the rotation and bullpen. However, the 26-year-old has allowed just four runs over 9.1 innings thus far. Even more promising is Philadelphia’s early ineptitude; this offense hasn’t scored a first inning run in 83.3% of their road outings this season. If Pallante can successfully navigate the top of the 1st, Nola is more than capable of finishing the job.
Rockies vs. Padres NRFI (-130)
The NL West is a beast, with four of five teams having won at least seven games. Of course, the one squad that doesn’t qualify are the Rockies. A mix of inconsistent hitting and flawed starters makes Colorado a prime NRFI target…when they aren’t at home. The hitter-friendly altitude of Coors Field can often be misleading. On the road this season, the Rockies are dead-last in runs scored per game (1.83). It doesn’t help that they’ll face a solid starter tonight in Nick Pivetta.
While the Padres will send a quality starter to the mound, their hitting could struggle. Star outfielder Jackson Merrill (hamstring) is injured, hampering a top-heavy lineup. Rockies hurler German Marquez is no stranger to this matchup, having faced the Friars nine times at Petco Park. During those appearances, the righty has held San Diego to 24 runs over 59.1 innings (3.64 ERA). If his success continues on Friday, this could be the perfect NRFI nightcap for bettors.
