Baseball fans will be treated to a loaded 15-game slate of MLB action on Saturday. 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, giving bettors several enticing options.
Ahead of today’s action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Red Sox at White Sox NRFI (-140)
Friday’s series opener wasn’t what most fans expected, as the White Sox dominated the Red Sox, 11-1. It was another erratic performance from Boston’s offense, who average nearly three runs less away from Fenway Park (3.50). The opposite can be said for Chicago’s pitching, which has held opponents to the seventh-fewest runs per game at Rate Field (2.86).
Tonight, the visitors will turn to Richard Fitts, who has pitched six innings of three-run ball in each of his two starts this season. He’ll go up against veteran Martin Perez, owner of a 2.75 ERA during his last five outings vs. Boston. Chicago has hit on NRFI’s in over 70% of their home games; the Red Sox are at 87.5% away from home. With two quality arms on the mound, expect another slow start for both lineups on Saturday.
Pirates at Reds NRFI (-125)
Andrew Abbott will make his much-anticipated debut tonight for the Reds. On a Cincinnati rotation that lacks depth, the left-hander serves an invaluable role. Since 2023, Abbott has gone 18-16 with a 3.78 ERA over 247.1 innings pitched. Sidelined with a shoulder injury to start the season, the 25-year-old will likely be kept on a pitch limit. Still, he’s had decent success against Pittsburgh throughout his career (3.60 ERA).
No team struggles in the first more than the Pirates, who have an 85.7% NRFI success rate. The same can’t be said for the Reds, who have failed to score early in only 71.4% of their games. However, Pittsburgh will send Andrew Heaney to the mound on Saturday. Last time out, the veteran tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Yankees, striking out ten batters. In his career, he’s allowed one run over 11.1 innings vs. Cincinnati. If both starters are on their game tonight, this bet could cash quickly.
