A few years back, Bleacher Report’s MikeyLocks mentioned that every time he goes to a baseball game, he makes sure to place his favorite bet beforehand: 1st Inning Runs Scored Under 0.5.
Or, more simply: No Runs First Inning. The NRFI.
It was a seminal moment in sports betting history. The gospel spread far and wide and oh so fast. NRFI Nation was born. Really, it seemed like it had always been there. For as long and tedious as a Major League Baseball game can be, there’s always the electricity in the air that comes with the first pitch. The NRFI was a way to capitalize on it. It’s just six outs, right? How hard could it be?
Well, it depends who’s on the mound. On Thursday, Opening Day of the 2022 season, almost every team playing will have its Ace toeing the rubber. That leaves plenty of opportunity to cash in on a few NRFIs right away.
Here’s who were betting as the MLB regular season returns.
All odds via Tipico at publish time.
Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers: NRFI (+112)
Kyle Hendricks (Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports)
The Milwaukee Brewers should be dominant once again in the National League Central. The Cubbies, not so much.
We’re taking the NRFI here not only because the price is gorgeous, but because Wrigley Field on Opening Day might be as amped as the place gets all season. Kyle Hendricks is on the mound for Chicago while the 2021 NL Cy Young winner, Corbin Burnes, gets the ball for the Brewers.
Oh yeah, it’s also supposed to be a brisk 45 degrees out at first pitch with light showers in the forecast. Hammer this line at plus money.
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets: NRFI (-105)
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Admittedly, this was a much more fun bet before the Mets were forced to scratch both Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer as Opening Day starters in D.C.
New York will instead hand the ball to Tylor Megill, who began his MLB career last season with a 4.52 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 89.2 innings pitched. That’s not great, but neither are the Nationals.
With respect to Juan Soto, Washington isn’t expected to do much this season. It’s also supposed to rain on the East Coast, so if this game doesn’t get postponed, it probably won’t be a fun one for hitters.
Patrick Corbin is on the bump for the Nats and should at least be able to use the energy of a home crowd to get three quick outs.
Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians: NRFI (-122)
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Bieber vs. Zack Greinke. In a pitcher-friendly stadium. As the latter starter makes his first start for Kansas City since 2010.
Neither team is destined for greatness this year, but there are some dangerous hitters peppered throughout these lineups. Of all the Opening Day matchups, this might be the hardest NRFI to predict. It could go up in smoke after a few pitches or turn into a duel between two of the most respected arms in the American League.
Here’s hoping for a quick, 1-2-3 frame for each starter.
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