Best NRFI Bets Today: Friday's Best First Inning Bets

Friday’s MLB slate has numerous games with playoff implications despite it being early in the season. I have picked three NRFI bets based on the excellent pitching matchups. 

My card starts in Boston with an NRFI in the Red Sox vs. Twins games.

Looking for more MLB betting insights? Check our selection of the Best MLB Home Run Predictions Today.

Best NRFI Bets for Friday, May 22

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Twins vs. Red Sox - Connor Prielipp vs. Payton Tolle (7:10 PM EST)

The Red Sox continue to play competitive baseball behind a young core that has brought energy back to Fenway, but their home record is still average. I expect a tight defensive battle to open their series against the Twins. 

Under 0.5 Run (-130) at Caesars Sportsbook

Connor Prielipp has quietly developed into one of Minnesota’s more reliable arms, entering this matchup with a 2.88 ERA and a sharp 0.96 WHIP across 25 innings.

He has allowed only 15 hits all season while striking out 29 batters, showing the ability to overpower hitters before they can settle into an at-bat.

Boston counters with Payton Tolle, who has been even tougher to solve early in games.
Tolle owns a 2.05 ERA and an elite 0.78 WHIP through 30.2 innings, surrendering just 17 hits while collecting 30 strikeouts.

Both starters limit traffic exceptionally well, and with two disciplined pitching profiles on the mound, this matchup points toward another clean first inning.

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Guardians vs. Phillies - Gavin Williams vs. Cristopher Sanchez (6:40 PM EST)

The Phillies have built momentum behind one of the most balanced rosters in baseball, but Cleveland’s contact-heavy offense can sometimes struggle against left-handers who work quickly and avoid mistakes.

The Phillies are rolling and they have a lot of momentum in the month of May. 

Under 0.5 Run (-145) at Caesars Sportsbook

Gavin Williams continues to flash frontline potential for Cleveland, posting a 3.67 ERA with 73 strikeouts across 61.1 innings.

He has allowed just 51 hits this season and has consistently shown the ability to attack hitters aggressively in the first inning before lineups can adjust.

Cristopher Sanchez has been one of the most effective starters in the National League, carrying a dominant 1.82 ERA through 64.1 innings.

His 80 strikeouts and ability to suppress hard contact make him especially dangerous against teams that rely on stringing hits together.

With both pitchers missing bats at a high level, early offense could be extremely difficult to generate in this matchup.

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White Sox vs. Giants - Davis Martin vs. Trevor McDonald (10:15 PM EST)

The Giants continue to lean on pitching and situational baseball, while the White Sox offense has struggled to consistently create pressure away from home. However, Chicago is a much better team than San Francisco. 

Under 0.5 Run (-150) at Caesars Sportsbook

Davis Martin has been outstanding for Chicago, putting together a 1.61 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP across 56 innings.

He has surrendered only 45 hits while striking out 59 batters, consistently keeping hitters off balance with excellent command early in outings.

San Francisco turns to Trevor McDonald, who has impressed in limited action with a 2.37 ERA and a perfect 1.00 WHIP through 19 innings.
He has allowed just 16 hits while showing enough swing-and-miss ability to navigate the top of opposing lineups cleanly.

Given how both starters have controlled contact this season, the first inning sets up well for another scoreless start.

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Best YRFI Bets Today

• Cardinals vs. Reds - Kyle Leahy vs. Chris Paddack: The Cardinals have been one of the fastest starting teams in baseball. NL Central games are usually filled with offense, and this matchup should be the same with Leahy and Paddack pitching, who have both been below average in 2026.

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