There are 10 MLB games on hand for Monday, May 6. After three days of at least 15 games, it feels like a lighter schedule, but there are still double-digit chances to bet on whether or not a run will be scored in the first inning. With no run first inning (NRFI) bets growing in popularity, here are our best NRFI bets for Monday’s MLB slate. with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook,
Teddy Ricketson’s 2024 record against NRFI: 21-14-1
Best NRFI bets: Monday, May 6
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs (-155)
This could be a tough one as both the Padres (third-most) and the Cubs (seventh-most) rank in the top seven for most average first-inning runs. Both starting pitchers — Yu Darvish and Justin Steele — are coming off the injured list to make their starts. Darvish has yet to allow a first-inning run this season, including his April 8 start against Chicago. Steele will be making his second start of the year and notably didn’t allow a first-inning run in his first.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Kansas City Royals (-125)
Bryse Wilson will start his fourth game of the season. He didn’t allow a first-inning run in the first two but did allow a first-inning run his last time out. Wilson allowed just that lone run in his six innings of work. Ragans has high strikeout stuff but has been inconsistent to start the year. Still, he has three straight starts without allowing a first-inning run.
Game To Avoid
Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics
The starting pitching matchup doesn’t look great for an NRFI bet. Andrew Heaney, who has an 0-4 record and a 5.10 ERA, takes the mound for Texas, while Oakland counters with Alex Wood (1-2, 6.32 ERA). Wood took on the Rangers on April 9 and allowed a first-inning run as Josh Smith hit an RBI single to score Marcus Semien. Heaney and Wood have each allowed a first-inning run in two of their last three starts.