The no run first inning (NRFI) market continues to grow in popularity among MLB bettors — and for good reason. A well-placed NRFI bet cashes (or loses, I guess) within minutes. Whether you’re backing a dominant pitcher or fading two slow-starting offenses, the first inning is a powerful spot to find value. We’ve broken down the April 20 MLB schedule and identified the best NRFI bets today based on first-inning trends, pitching matchups and expected value.
NRFI Bets Today: Best No Runs First Inning Picks
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Athletics vs. Brewers | NRFI Bets Today
Milwaukee enters the day ranked near the bottom of the league in first-inning production, averaging just 0.19 runs in the opening frame.
The pitching matchup adds to the appeal. The Athletics send out Jeffrey Springs, a left-hander with excellent control and swing-and-miss stuff. In his last full season, Springs posted a 2.46 ERA with a WHIP just above 1.00. Milwaukee counters with Logan Henderson, a top prospect making his MLB debut. Henderson struck out 11.5% of batters per nine innings in the minors last season, and his high strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests he’s more than capable of retiring three Athletics hitters before nerves kick in.
With cold bats and two capable arms, this game sets up beautifully for a scoreless first inning.
Best NRFI/YRFI Bet: No Runs First Inning (-120, Bet365)
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Diamondbacks vs. Cubs | YRFI Bets Today
These two offenses are built for early success — Arizona with dynamic leadoff threat Corbin Carroll, and Chicago with a deep top of the order that includes Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki.
These teams just faced off yesterday, and they combined for three runs in the first inning. That trend could easily repeat today given the starters on the mound. Merrill Kelly takes the ball for Arizona, and while solid overall, he lacks dominant swing-and-miss stuff. The Cubs lineup makes and has power, two traits that put pressure on pitchers from pitch one.
Jameson Taillon goes for Chicago, and he too pitches to with a low walk rate. Against a team like Arizona that can run and hit situationally, that leaves little margin for error in the first inning.
Best NRFI/YRFI Bet: Yes Runs First Inning (+115, Fanatics)
