Top 5 NRFI Teams in MLB

The No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet has gained popularity in the MLB in recent years, providing a way for bettors to get a quick rush by betting for zero runs scored in the first inning by either team. Here, we highlight the top 5 teams with the best NRFI records. When considering NRFI bets, it’s essential to look at the overall team performance, the starting pitchers, and the opponents’ offensive capabilities. These factors can influence the likelihood of a scoreless first inning, providing bettors with valuable insights to make informed decisions.

5. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have an NRFI record of 49-29, highlighted by a strong 26-14 home record and a solid 23-15 performance on the road, securing them the 5th-best NRFI record in the league. Offensively, they rank 15th in first-inning runs, averaging 0.47 per game. Defensively, they excel by allowing just 0.26 runs per first inning, second only to the Baltimore Orioles in this category. The Cubs are currently 36-39, which puts them 8.5 games back in the NL Central, and their home record is 21-16 similar to their NRFI record.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have an impressive overall NRFI record of 50-26, placing them at the #4 spot among the best NRFI teams in the MLB. At home, they have a 27-10 record, while on the road, they stand at 23-17. They rank 28th in runs scored in the first inning, averaging just 0.28 runs. However, they are 12th in the league for opponent runs in the first inning, with an average of 0.48 runs allowed. Their NRFI record at home is surprising considering their ballpark is ranked in the top 11 for most home runs hit this season, just behind the Rockies at Coors Field.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates match the Blue Jays with an overall NRFI record of 49-28. However, their home NRFI record is slightly above .500 at 21-18, contrasting with their impressive road performance of 28-10. They stand 24th in the league for runs scored in the first inning, averaging just 0.40 runs. Defensively, they rank 15th, allowing 0.43 runs per game in the first inning. Look to bet the Pirates NRFI on the road.

2. Washington Nationals

The Nationals have an outstanding NRFI record of 53-24, with a 25-11 record at home and a 28-13 record on the road. They rank dead last in runs scored in the first inning with just .25 per game. Defensively, they rank 7th in the league by only allowing 0.35 runs in the first inning per game. Part of the reason they have such a good NRFI record is because of their pitching. You might be surprised that they ranked #11 in ERA despite their record being just under .500 at 36-37.

1. Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox lead the NRFI standings with an impressive record of 54-25. Despite their overall season performance of just 19 wins, their ability to limit early-game runs is noteworthy.  They rank 8th in the league, conceding only 0.36 runs per game in the first inning, faring better than expected. Offensively in the first inning, they rank 26th, scoring only 0.33 runs per game. Their dominance extends to NRFI performance at home, where they have the league’s best record at 29-9. On the road, they maintain a strong 25-16 NRFI record, showcasing their consistency regardless of venue. But $100 bettors who backed the ChiSox NRFI at home this year are up over $2500 already, and it’s not even the All-Star break!