Best NRFI Bets Today: 2 No Run First Inning MLB Picks for Friday 4/17/26

NRFI betting picks for today's MLB games.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:22pm

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The MLB season is an annual marathon that gives us months of daily betting markets to consider. While traditional player props like home runs and strikeouts remain popular options, one market that's gained steam is betting whether or not no runs will be scored in the first inning -- aka a No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet. Today's top NRFI picks are the Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Guardians.

Why it matters

NRFI betting has become a popular option for MLB fans looking to find an edge in the daily betting markets. Identifying the right pitching and offensive matchups that set up for a scoreless first inning can provide value for bettors.

The details

For the Royals vs. Yankees NRFI, Michael Wacha has been exceptional in the first inning this season, allowing just one run across 21 innings. Cam Schlittler's high strikeout rate and the Royals' struggling offense make this a favorable NRFI matchup. For the Orioles vs. Guardians NRFI, both teams rank near the top of the league in NRFI success this season. Tanner Bibee and Chris Bassitt have shown the ability to limit first-inning damage, making this another appealing NRFI opportunity.

  • The Royals vs. Yankees game is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET.
  • The Orioles vs. Guardians game is scheduled for 6:10 PM ET.

The players

Michael Wacha

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who has allowed just one run across 21 innings this season, showcasing excellent command and discipline in the first inning.

Cam Schlittler

A starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals who owns a 12.4 K/9 rate, giving him the ability to quickly shut down the Royals' struggling offense in the first inning.

Tanner Bibee

A starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who has struggled with a 6.38 ERA overall but has shown the ability to limit first-inning damage.

Chris Bassitt

A starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who has a high 9.00 ERA but has historically protected the first inning well.

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What’s next

Bettors should closely monitor the starting pitching matchups and offensive trends for each team to identify the best NRFI opportunities on a daily basis.

The takeaway

NRFI betting can be a profitable strategy for MLB fans who are willing to do the research and identify the right pitching and offensive matchups that set up for a scoreless first inning. The Royals vs. Yankees and Orioles vs. Guardians games on Friday appear to be favorable NRFI opportunities based on the pitching profiles and offensive trends of the teams involved.