If you’ve been anywhere close to MLB fans and bettors on social media, odds are you’ve come across three terms that get repeated ad nauseam.
Well, aside from “[Expletive] Rob Manfred“.
The NRFI, YRFI and NRSI have completely changed the way bettors watch baseball. But to those who aren’t familiar with the terms—or how to place wagers on them—things can seem a bit confusing.
Not to worry! We’re here to help!
Let’s run through three of the most popular MLB bets, how to place them and a few social media accounts who might be able to help you win some money along the way.
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The NRFI
Definition: No Runs First Inning
The king of baseball props and a quick-result bet that was staring us right in the face all these years.
The term was popularized by Lockytown podcast hosts Mike Denevi and Michael Vernon a few years back at Bleacher Report. As the story goes, Denevi would place NRFI anytime he went to an MLB game just to feel something during the first inning. It turns out he was far from alone in that desire.
Seemingly overnight the NRFI has become one of the best reasons to pay attention to pitching matchups, weather and lineup changes. You might not have time to watch a whole baseball game, but you can certainly carve out 15 minutes or so to see if a run is scored in the first inning. The odds typically come with a little bit of juice, but it’s worth eating if the matchup is right.
How to bet: You won’t find a NRFI listed on your favorite app or at the sportsbook. Instead look for inning props. Generally the NRFI is listed in one of two ways. The first: as an Over/Under 0.5 runs in the first inning. The second is as a three-way line with 0 Runs First Inning, 1 Run First Inning or 2+ Runs First Inning. If your book offers both, it’s best to price check before you place your bet.
(Editor’s note: The author has gambled with the Lockytown hosts on too many occasions to count.)
The YRFI
Definition: Yes Runs First Inning
The evil twin of the NRFI and the bane of its followers.
Those who are staunch NRFI bettors would rather not bet than take a YRFI, but this is not a scenario where you must pick a side and stick to it. The YRFI has its advantages. Especially with teams more willing to put power hitters at the top of their lineups these days.
Kyle Schwarber batting leadoff? Juan Soto hitting second? The Yankees playing at home with the wind blowing out to right? Each are reason enough to take a YRFI.
How to bet: If you’ve figured out how to place a NRFI, you’ve already done most of the work here. Instead of selecting Under 0.5 runs, you want to smash the over. It gets a little tricker if your book only offers 0 Runs, 1 Run or 2+ Runs—which is why a number of bettors go NRFI or nothing.
The NRSI
Definition: No Runs Second Inning
Sometimes the first inning can be too hard to predict. Sometimes teams use an opener you’d rather avoid or their lineups just aren’t that deep. The No Runs Second Inning is here to help.
This prop typically has shorter odds than the NRFI or the YRFI, but in addition to eating the juice, bettors have to worry about the fact that hitters have already gotten a glimpse at who’s on the mound and how they’re throwing.
It’s also less of a quick-result bet and typically tougher to feel comfortable about taking before the first pitch is thrown.
How to bet: Much like the NRFI/YRFI but instead of looking the first inning props, you’ll want to look at the second inning.
First Inning 'gurus' worth following
All betting is gambling and as much as the accounts below provide useful information, the truth is you never really know. But since sports betting is about the flow of information and statistics, knowledge is power.
Here are a few accounts on social media who regularly tweet about first inning props:
@TroyHermo
Astros/Rangers
This is another Meaty matchup potential for the YRFI.
Taking a shot on a 0.25 unit Home run Round robin SGP I think has an excellent shot at cashing. https://t.co/Kq5Ojzpwhe#GamblingTwitter
— Troy Hermo (@TroyHermo) April 25, 2022
His betting maps provide crucial insight and allow bettors to feel a bit more comfortable with their predictions.
@NoRuns1stInning
Fridays are for NRFIs
— No Runs 1st Inning (@NoRuns1stInning) April 29, 2022
From the fine folks at Action Network, they’ll give you a heads up on solid pitching matchups to take advantage of on any given day.
@YesRuns1stInning
The YRFI smacked today
— Yes Runs 1st Inning (@YesRun1stInning) April 12, 2022
Also Action Network. Gotta hear both sides.
@NRFIalgorithm
PITCHING
Kopech:11-1career NRFI record
0.82 career 1st inning ERA
.64 ERA through 14 IP in 2022Keller: 3-0 NRFI record in 2022
.077 BA first time through the orderHITTING:
CWS: Ranks 25/30 in team runs
KC: Ranks 30/30 team runs
27/30 in 1st inning runsSeries is 2-0 for NRFI
— No Run First Inning Algorithm (@NRFIalgorithm) April 28, 2022
