Best NRFI Bets Today: Start Your Memorial Day Off With a NRFI

While it may not be a full slate of games for Memorial Day, the holiday still brings us plenty of NRFI options as an abundance of impressive pitchers take the mound. Two afternoon NRFIs stick out as valuable wagers when a pair of above average pitchers face off against lackluster offenses, especially with negative regression looming large as these units have maximized their minimal scoring opportunities. For more information about the NRFI market and what factors into them being worth a wager, check out our breakdown of Daily No Run First Inning.

When making a wager on an NRFI, it’s important to have as many sportsbooks as you can get in order to line shop with the volatile market. All online sportsbooks have their own unique signup bonus, giving new users a boost to their bankroll to bet with during the MLB season. As we explain in our FanDuel sportsbook review, the platform is giving new users $250 in bonus bets for simply creating an account and winning their first bet of at least $5 wagered. Be sure to wager the $5 on a heavy favorite immediately after signing up, as this maximizes your chances of winning and collecting the $250 in bonus bets.

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles - Cooper Criswell vs. Cole Irvin (1:05 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (+102) at FanDuel

We start our day backing the NRFI in the first game of the slate when the Boston Red Sox battle it out with the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox have played well above preseason expectations at this point of the season and are currently in contention for a wild card spot. Unfortunately for them, their momentum may be halted against the Baltimore Orioles who are locked in a two horse race against the New York Yankees for the AL East division title.

A big reason for the Red Sox shockingly good start to the season has stemmed from their offense, a unit that ranks above league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage. While impressive, their metrics have steadily dipped back down to near average and are now in a position to dip even further down against the Orioles Cole Irvin.

Irvin may not be in the same echelon as current AL Cy Young contender Corbin Burnes and ace Grayson Rodriguez, but Irvin has carved out a role as a dominant starting pitcher in his own right. Irvin comes into the matchup against the Red Sox with an ERA of 3.15, a WHIP of 1.095, just eight Batters Walked, 42 Hits Allowed, and 16 Earned Runs Against in nine games played.

As for the Red Sox defense, they roll out Cooper Criswell who has put together a dominant start to his 2024 campaign. Every bit of his production will be on display against a reeling Orioles offense, a unit that has dipped to as low as below league average in Team Total Hits. Due to their lack of contact ability, the Orioles offensive woes may continue to persist against Criswell who comes into the matchup with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.125.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (+102) at FanDuel

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins - Alec Marsh vs. Joe Ryan (2:10 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-118) at FanDuel

Shortly after our first NRFI of the day, we turn our attention towards the next game on Monday’s slate as scoring opportunities should be far and few inbetween when the Kansas City Royals battle it out against the Minnesota Twins in an AL Central divisional matchup. Every game matters when making a run for the playoffs, especially with both teams sitting below the division leader Cleveland Guardians.

Starting with the second place Royals, they look to cut into the Guardians small lead off the backs of their defense as they take advantage of a weak Minnesota offense. The Royals currently rank fifth in Defensive Efficiency while the Twins rank below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, and On Base Percentage. Offensive production should be tough to come by this time around as the Royals Marsh takes the mound with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.070.

As for the Twins, they trot out Joe Ryan who is tasked with shutting down the Royals impressive offense. He is certainly capable of doing just that, coming into the contest with an ERA of 3.15, a WHIP of 0.983, 64 Total Strikeouts, 50 Hits Allowed, and 21 Earned Runs Against in 10 games played. His low WHIP indicates that the Royals should struggle to get into scoring position, minimizing the chance for an early run.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (-118) at FanDuel

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