All 30 teams across Major League Baseball are taking the diamond tonight. That means plenty of options for bettors, including a no run first inning bet (NRFI). Three outs from each pitcher are all you need to cash in- but that’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, is key. Who should you back, and who should you fade, in the first tonight?
Ahead of Friday’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Tigers NRFI (-110)
A pivotal American League matchup is on tap tonight in Motown. Despite a lackluster first half, the Royals remain firmly in playoff contention at 66-62. That’s due mostly to their pitching staff, which has been terrific all season. One of the recent additions to this rotation, Ryan Bergert, has made quite the impression. Over 52.1 innings, the right-hander has notched a 2.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. Through ten starts, Bergert has allowed a first inning run only once. That should continue tonight against a Tigers team that owns baseball’s 12th-highest NRFI rate (72.09%).
On the other side, it’ll be Casey Mize toeing the slab. It’s been a breakout campaign for the fifth-year pro, who earned his first ever trip to the All-Star Game. Through 21 starts, the righty has recorded a 3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 8.3 K/9 ratio. He’s been dominant at the start of games, posting a minuscule 1.71 first inning ERA. Kansas City’s offense is averaging an American League-worst 3.82 runs per game. This is about as good a matchup as it gets for an opposing pitcher.
Guardians vs. Rangers NRFI (-120)
Any dreams of the postseason are beginning to look bleak for the Guardians and Rangers. Both clubs have slid down the standings lately, falling 3.0 and 5.5 games behind Seattle for the final AL wildcard spot, respectively. To get Texas back on track, Nathan Eovaldi will need to be at his best. That’s been the case for most of 2025: 1.76 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 120 strikeouts. Over 21 starts, he’s allowed a first inning run only three times. In comparison, Cleveland has baseball’s fifth-lowest scoring lineup (3.95).
The Guards will hand the ball to Slade Cecconi. After a terrific month of July, the right-hander has seen his season fall apart recently. Over his last five starts, the 26-year-old has put up a 6.07 ERA. With that being said, it’s not as if this Rangers lineup has been raking as of late. Since August 1st, Texas has scored the league’s tenth-fewest total runs (75). In addition, Cecconi has a stellar 2.81 first inning ERA. Given how good Eovaldi is, tonight’s matchup is worth backing as an NRFI.
Giants vs. Brewers NRFI (-130)
To wrap things up, we’ll head to Milwaukee. The Brewers have taken baseball by storm, thanks to a slew of unlikely contributors. That includes Jose Quintana, who has emerged as a valued member of this rotation. Over 105.2 innings of work, the veteran has posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. In 14 of his 19 outings, the southpaw hasn’t surrendered a first inning run. There’s a good chance that continues during tonight’s matchup at American Family Field. Friday’s opponent, the Giants, own baseball’s lowest OPS against left-handed pitching (.612).
San Francisco will attempt to counter Quintana with Carson Whisenhunt. The 24-year-old has made just three starts this season, delivering middling results (5.04 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). That’s due primarily to a sky-high 3.1 HR/9 ratio. As bad as those numbers appear, this isn’t the most difficult opponent, at least for NRFI purposes. The Brewers have failed to score in the first during 85.48% of their games at home. That’s easily the highest rate in the league. Regardless of who is on the mound, it’s usually the right call to fade Milwaukee’s offense in this spot.
