Best NRFI and YRFI Bets Today (Braves and Phillies Expected to Have a Low Scoring Start)

Thursday is jam-packed with MLB betting action for us to tackle from a bunch of different angles. One we have been a fan of lately is the No Run First Inning (NRFI) and Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets. With that in mind, let's take a look at a couple of games that have value on these props as I see them. All odds used were provided by WynnBET Sportsbook.

Best NRFI and YRFI Bets for Thursday, May 26

Royals vs Twins YRFI (-125)

The Royals are not known as a powerful offense, but their shaky pitching will go a long way to cash this bet for us today. Over their last three games, the Royals have allowed 1.33 runs per game to be scored by opponents in the first inning. Their starter tonight, Daniel Lynch, also has a habit of getting hit early with first-inning runs allowed in three of his last four games.

On the flip side, the Twins rank fifth in first inning runs this year with an average of 0.70 per game. Over their last three, that number has risen to 1.33. Devin Smeltzer makes his third start of the year after giving up a first-inning run in his previous start against the Royals. 

Phillies vs Braves NRFI (-150)

The Braves have struggled more than many expected them to this year. One issue they have been battling is getting on the board early in games. Atlanta ranks 27th in first-inning runs scored per game with an average of 0.30 per game.

Over their last three games, they failed to score a single run in the first inning. Atlanta is also one of the better teams in the league at limiting early runs with a season average of 0.43 runs per game allowed. That figure also fell to zero over their last three games. Likewise, the Phillies haven’t given up a first-inning run this week nor have they hit one. Both teams have strong offensive potential but don’t often live up to the hype. 

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE