MLB NRFI Bet: What is a No Runs First Inning Bet?

How to Bet on Sports.

Are you looking to get into betting on baseball and MLB action? There are plenty of bet types and options for America’s pastime. You can even bet on whether a run will be scored in the first inning. Here’s a look at No Runs First Inning bets. What they are and how to bet them.

FanDuel Promo Code Offer
Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets!
BetMGM Promo Code
$1,500 First Bet Offer
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
DraftKings Promo and Bonus
Bet $5, Get $200 + Daily No Sweat NBA SGP

MLB No Run First Inning Bets Explained

A No Run First Inning bet in Major League Baseball is when you place a wager on if there will be a run scored in the first inning of a game. For this type of bet, there are two options. You can either bet on no runs in the first inning (NRFI) or at least one run in the first inning (YRFI).

This is a popular betting option in baseball because it can make the beginning of the game more exciting and bettors can get some decent odds for first-inning bets and wagers.

No Run First Inning Bet Examples

There are a couple of different ways a no run first inning bet can be presented. On some sportsbooks, you will see it as a bet where you wager on yes or no as follows:

Will there be a run in the first inning?

Yes (+100)

No (-125)

For this bet, you are looking at if either team scores a run. For example, you bet $50 on yes because you think there will be a run in the first inning of the Braves vs Angels game. If either team scores in the first inning, you would win $50.

The odds for a no run first inning bet can vary based on many factors including the starting pitchers and lineups of the teams. Now, this type of bet can also be presented as an over/under. This type of wager would usually be if you are betting on a specific team to score a run in the first inning.

Let’s take an example involving the Yankees vs Red Sox. The odds for the Yankees to score a run in the first inning are as follows for the game.

Yankees 1st Inning Runs Over/Under

Over 0.5 (-115)

Under 0.5 (-110)

For this bet, you are wagering on only the Yankees. If you bet the over, they need to score at least one run in the first inning for you to win the bet. The odds can vary but usually sit in the -110 area for an over/under bet. Remember, negative odds mean you have to bet more to win. For example, if the odds are -150 it would take a $150 bet to win $100.

NRFI Betting Tips

There are a few things to consider when you are looking to place a no run first inning bet. Here’s a look at a couple of tips or strategies to consider before placing a no run first inning bet.

Pitching Stats and Lineups

Take a look at the pitching stats and lineups. You want to consider how many hits the starting pitcher gives up per start or how many walks they give up. There are plenty of sites that even break this down to the first inning. A combination of a struggling starting pitcher vs a tough lineup could lead to a first-inning run.

Also, take a look at the lefty-righty matchups. Maybe the Yankees are starting a lefty vs the Red Sox and their lineup has left-handed hitters in the one, two, and three spots. Consider how each side of the matchup performs against lefties.

Park Factors

Some ballparks provide for more offense in the major leagues. For example, teams score more runs, hit more homers, and typically perform better at Coors Field in Colorado. This is because of the high altitude. Other ballparks have their quirks or reasons why they are a more hitter-friendly park. Check out ballpark metrics as part of your research.

Hitting Stats

Take a look at the offensive stats. In baseball, there are plenty of analytics breaking down how players hit in early innings as well as statistics on matchups with the pitcher. This is just another form of research that can be helpful as you figure out if thing a run will be scored in the first inning or not.

Maybe the top three hitters in each lineup have fared poorly in their careers vs the starting pitcher. It’s worth looking into when you place these kinds of bets on if there will be a run scored in the first inning.

Sportsbooks for No Run First Inning Bets

There are plenty of sportsbooks that have no run first inning bets. As we explained before, the odds or type of bet might be different. Overall, you would still be betting on if runs are scored in the first inning or how many. Here are a few sportsbooks to check out. Compare odds at each before deciding to place wagers to get the best value for your bets. Check out some offers from the top sportsbooks below.

DraftKings

DraftKings Promo and Bonus
Bet $5, Get $200 + Daily No Sweat NBA SGP

With DraftKings Sportsbook, you can get solid promotions throughout the year. The sportsbook offers odd boosts, bonus bets, and more. Don’t miss out on the latest offer.

FanDuel

FanDuel Promo Code Offer
Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets!

FanDuel has promotions that have included offers like a No Sweat First Bet, bonus bets, odds boosts, and more. Check out the latest offers.

BetMGM

BetMGM Promo Code
$1,500 First Bet Offer

BetMGM is a solid option with live streaming, live betting, solid odds, a rewards program, and more. It’s one of the top names in the industry.

Caesars

Caesars Sportsbook Promo
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Caesars has one of the best VIP loyalty programs in the industry. You can earn points for placing bets that can be redeemed for bonus bets, rewards, and more. All users can earn points for placing bets. The platform also has solid promotions, odds, and more.

Betfred

Betfred Ohio
Up to $1,111 in Fred Bets

Betfred is expanding its presence in the United States and making strides in the sports betting industry. The sportsbook offers several notable features such as promotional offers, live betting options, and early cashouts, making it an excellent choice for MLB bettors who are just getting started.

Tipico

Tipico NJ Promo Code
100% Deposit Match up to $100

Tipico Sportsbook is available in several states, including Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado, and Iowa, providing bettors with access to a range of features and options. This sportsbook is an excellent choice for new baseball bettors seeking to take advantage of bonuses and additional options.

BetRivers

BetRivers Ohio Promo Code
Second chance bet offer up to $100

With BetRivers, you can get iRush rewards points for placing wagers. The sportsbook is growing as it has plenty of sports and bet types to choose from.

PointsBet

PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook Offers PointsBetting, Solid Odds, and More

PointsBet has a unique bet type called “Points Betting” and more features that have allowed the sportsbooks to move up the ranks of top sportsbooks in legal sports betting states.

Popular Baseball Bets

If you are looking for more baseball bets, there are plenty of options. Here are some of the most common baseball bet types for MLB action. Check out our How to Bet on Baseball guide for tips and strategies if you are new to sports betting.

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is when you wager on who will win a game straight up. A favorite will have negative odds while an underdog will have negative odds. For example, the Tigers might bet +130 underdogs vs the Twins. If you bet on the Tigers to win and they are victorious, a $100 bet would win $130.

Run Line

A run-line bet is like a point spread in other sports. You are wagering on the margin of victory in the game. For baseball, the run line is almost always -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. This is because of the close nature of baseball games.

If you bet on the favorite to cover the run line, they would need to win by two runs or more for you to win the bet.

Total

A total bet is also called an over/under. You are betting on the total runs scored in a game by both teams combined. For example, let’s say the total for the Angels vs Rangers game is 8.5 runs. If you bet the over, you would need at least nine total runs scored in the game. If the game ended 7-4, your bet would win because 11 total runs were scored.

Props

A prop bet is a wager on an outcome within a game that isn’t necessarily tied to the end result. In baseball, there are tons of props such as a player hitting a home run, over/under runs scored, and more. There are team, player, and game props.

No Run First Inning Bets FAQs

What is a no runs first inning bet?

A no runs first inning bet is a wager in which you are betting on if there will be a run scored in the first inning of a baseball game.

What are the top sportsbooks for no run first inning bets?

There are plenty of sportsbooks for MLB betting and no run first inning bets. These include DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and more.

What does NRFI stand for?

It stands for no run first inning. A bet in which you are wagering on if a run will be scored in the first inning of a Major League Baseball game.

What are the most popular baseball bet types?

No run first inning bets are popular along with moneylines, run lines, totals, props, parlays, futures, and more.

21+ and Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

WRITTEN BY

Sam Russell

Sam hails from Grandville, Michigan, and was Betsperts' first employee back in January 2019. He has a rich sports background, including playing baseball at Central Michigan before covering high school sports and working with the Orlando Magic. He earned his degree from Central Michigan University and was a member of the 2010 MAC Championship baseball team.

Deals of the Day

See All