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Read our best NRFI betting picks today - Major League Baseball NRFI predictions for 5/4/2025. No Runs First Inning (NRFI) betting tips, expert MLB predictions, odds, and trends.
We've got a jam-packed slate of games on Sunday, so it's time to bring you my best NRFI bets today and bonus bets. In my last NRFI article on May 2, I went 3-1 in my picks on this page. Today, I've got another four NRFI picks for you, ranging from (-125) to (-145) odds.
There are a few intriguing spots for scoreless first innings today. We've got Garrett Crochet in a smash spot at home vs the Minnesota Twins, Tanner Bibee looks to build off a strong outing vs the Toronto Blue Jays, Shota Imanaga is set to duel with Freddy Peralta, and Tylor Megill can continue his breakout season vs the St. Louis Cardinals. When making my NEFI picks, I'm looking at a pitcher's recent form along with first-inning data.
On this page, I'll provide my best NRFI bets today for MLB games on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Monitor the weather and lineups for each team before placing your wagers. Odds for these bets are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
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What Are MLB NRFI/YRFI Bets?
NRFI bets are picks where you determine whether or not two MLB teams will score one run in the first inning. YRFI stands for "Yes Run First Inning," while NRFI means "No Run First Inning."
The more popular wager is NRFI because it's easier to cheer for a shutout in the first inning. Whenever I take a YRFI, it's a less enjoyable sweat that always feels like it'll end up as a loss. If you go with YRFI, I suggest not watching the game.
The best part of NRFI bets is how they settle quickly, with the first inning concluding within minutes. This is a fun and quick sweat, as these six outs can be exciting. Just remember that you should only sprinkle a small portion on these bets because it's a volatile market. Even the best pitchers can allow a run in the first frame
Best First Inning Bets Today (May 4, 2025)
- Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox: 1:35 pm
- Cleveland Guardians at Toronto Blue Jays: 1:37 pm
- Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers: 2:10 pm
- New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals: 6:15 pm
Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox NRFI (-125 DraftKings Sportsbook)
Starting Pitchers
- MIN: Chris Paddack
- BOS: Garrett Crochet
The Twins have been among the best teams to target for NRFI, as highlighted by a 24-10 record. This team struggles against lefties, including a 78 wRC+ (22nd) and 26.8 K% (27th). That's bad news because they'll be taking on one of the best left-handers in baseball in Crochet today.
The Red Sox ace has a 2.05 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, 28.6 K%, and 10.3 BB% in 44 innings. The peripherals back this up, including an 18.3 K-BB% and 3.45 SIERA.
Given Crochet's numbers coupled with the Twins' struggles vs southpaws, there's a good chance that the Red Sox will come out of the top half of the first without allowing a run.
Garrett Crochet, Nasty 83mph Sweeper. 😨 pic.twitter.com/vCRz0r10wl
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 30, 2025
We need Chris Paddack to hold down the fort for the Twins. While the veteran has struggled this season, featuring a 5.60 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 27.1 IP, he's started to pick up the pace lately.
Paddack has allowed two ER or fewer in four consecutive outings. Perhaps he's found his groove, which bodes well for this NRFI.
Cleveland Guardians at Toronto Blue Jays NRFI (-125 DraftKings Sportsbook)
Starting Pitchers
- CLE: Tanner Bibee
- TOR: Bowden Francis
Bibee looks like he's righted the ship after a slow start to the season. The Guardians' righty has gone a combined 13 IP with 10 hits, three runs, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in his last two outings. This is a good matchup vs the Blue Jays, who have posted an 83 wRC+ vs righties this year, which ranks 27th in MLB.
Additionally, Toronto has hit the NRFI in 24 of 33 games this season, so Bibee has a great chance to come out of the first inning unscathed in this spot.
Tanner Bibee, Filthy 86mph Sweeper. 😷
17 inches of break. pic.twitter.com/mJKySt8xFP
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 30, 2025
Conversely, the Blue Jays send out Bowden Francis, who is struggling this year, as highlighted by a 3.23 HR/9. You always want to avoid a pitcher with a home run problem with your NRFI wagers, but I'm willing to take the shot because I'm confident that Bibee will handle the Blue Jays.
It's also worth noting that the Guardians are a good NRFI team to target (24-9 record), so let's take a shot that Francis can keep them at bay.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers NRFI (-140 DraftKings Sportsbook)
Starting Pitchers
- CHC: Shota Imanaga
- MIL: Freddy Peralta
Here we have a terrific pitching matchup between Imanaga and Peralta. The Cubs' lefty has a 2.77 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with an 18.9 K% and 8.2 BB% in 39 IP this season. Conversely, Peralta has put up a 2.52 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 25.6 K% and 8.8 BB% in 39.1 frames.
Both Imanaga (5-2) and Peralta (5-2) have been good pitchers to target for the NRFI. Their respective teams, the Cubs (25-9) and Brewers (26-8), have great records.
It's also worth noting that Peralta has dominated the Cubs throughout his career, registering a .283 xwOBA and 30.8 K% in 133 plate appearances against the current Brewers lineup. Imanaga should perform well, too, as the Brewers rank 22nd in wRC+ vs lefties.
Freddy Peralta, Filthy 85mph Slider. 😷 pic.twitter.com/k8BtNgCYTB
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 24, 2025
Each of these pitchers is capable of racking up strikeouts, which also bodes well for the NRFI.
While we have to pay an expensive price of (-140) odds here, it's worth a look given this projected pitcher's duel.
New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals NRFI (-145 DraftKings Sportsbook)
Starting Pitchers
- NYM: Tylor Megill
- STL: Andre Pallante
The last NRFI on my Sunday betting card is highlighted by Megill, who has been huge for the Mets this season. The 29-year-old righty has a 1.74 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 29.8 K% and 9.2 BB% in 31 IP this year. We've seen Megill have a strong NRFI record (6-0), so we have to ride with that trend here.
Tylor Megill, Dirty 88mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/K2bThHh8BC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 22, 2025
It also helps that the Cardinals have been relatively cold at the plate, including a 93 wRC+ in the last 14 days, which ranks 19th in MLB during that stretch.
We just need Andre Pallante to take care of business in the first inning against a tough Mets lineup. The good news is that this pitcher induces groundballs at a high rate of 65.7%. Perhaps the Cardinals' righty can force the Mets into some weak contact on the ground, which can help the NRFI here.
The Mets (25-8) and Cardinals (24-9) have also been good teams to target for NRFI.
While this is another expensive pick at (-145) odds, it's worth a look due to the pitching matchup and first-inning data.
Notable NRFI/YRFI MLB Trends: Last 10 Games
- Longest NRFI Streak: Orioles (10-0)
- Best YRFI hit rate: White Sox, Yankees, Pirates, Red Sox (4)
- Most First Inning Home Runs: Yankees (8)
- Best First Inning Batting Average: Mariners, White Sox (.378)
With a full MLB slate this Sunday, there's no better time to dive into the top NRFI bets today. Today's board offers several high-upside spots for no runs first inning wagers. Remember, MLB NRFI betting is all about identifying pitchers in rhythm and offenses that start slow — two key factors in today’s featured games. Be sure to check lineups and weather before locking anything in, and stick with disciplined bankroll management. Whether you're new to NRFI or a seasoned bettor chasing another clean sweep, today’s picks are built on trends, matchups, and recent form that give you a sharp edge in the volatile first-inning market.
Good luck, RotoBallers, and thanks for reading!
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