NRFI Bets Today: Best First Inning Picks and Predictions for Thursday, May 21
We have an abbreviated slate for Thursday with just seven games. Three of them start before dinner, so be sure to get your picks locked in early.
The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins finish up their four-game set with a good matchup between RHP Spencer Strider and RHP Sandy Alcantara. Both are looking to regain their Cy Young-caliber form before injuries set in. We also like matchups between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers and the Athletics vs. the Los Angeles Angels to cash some NRFI bets.
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.
Best NRFI Bets Today
Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins NRFI (-125)
Strider has allowed just one earned run in his last two starts, spanning 11 1/3 innings. He has allowed just one run in his three first innings, and that came in his first start of the season. Alcantara has been touched for six earned runs in 10 first frames. Those occurred in just two starts, though. Look for both studs to lock in early.
Cleveland Guardians at Detroit Tigers NRFI (-145)
The Guardians throw lefty Joey Cantillo out there Thursday. He has a 3.40 ERA through 10 starts, and he has allowed just three earned runs in the first inning this season. The Tigers counter with RHP Casey Mize, whose 2.43 ERA is showing glimpses of why he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018. He hasn't allowed an earned run in the first in any of his seven starts.
Athletics at Los Angeles Angels NRFI (-135)
RHP Luis Severino has been "mid" with a 4.45 ERA, but he has been much better on the road with a 3.56 mark. He must think he's still in New York City with as much traffic as he has allowed on the bases in the first inning. He has allowed 12 hits and 11 walks to go with a 6.30 ERA in the first frame this season. He has pitched run-free first innings in two of three starts. Angels RHP Jose Soriano has been great with a 2.41 ERA on the season. He, too, has struggled in the first with a 4.50 ERA. In fact, he has allowed a run in the first in his last three starts. With such quality work throughout, those splits in the first have to even out.
What Does NRFI Mean in Baseball?
The term NRFI indicates no runs scored in the first inning. Its opposite, YRFI, indicates yes, a run will be scored in the first inning. It doesn't matter if the run qualifies as an earned run or not. If a run crosses the plate in the first inning for either team, the wager loses for the NRFI side and wins for the YRFI side.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 4:30 AM.