Best NRFI and YRFI Bets May 14: The MLB Teams to Watch Today

The schedule for MLB has 17 games on Wednesday: all 30 teams are active, with two doubleheaders kicking off action this afternoon.

Today we have three best bet picks for No Runs First Inning or Yes Runs First Inning (NTFI and YRFI) with odds from BetMGM sports betting app.

(Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

To win a NRFI bet, both teams must fail to score in the first inning. To win your YRFI, one of the two teams must score at least one run.

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NRFI: Tigers vs Red Sox at Comerica Park

Detroit ace Tarik Skubal is on the hill in the finale of this three game set. The Tigers seek a sweep of the BoSox following a stunning walkoff win on Tuesday night.

Skubal is at the top or near the top in most pitching categories again a year after winning the American League Cy Young Award.

Facing Detroit will be right hander Hunter Dobbins, making his fifth start

So far, Dobbins has looked solid in his new role as a member of the Red Sox rotation.

The rookie keeps the baseball around the plate, which is why he allows his share of hits (23 hits and 31 base runners in 22 2/3 innings). This is the first time the Tigers will be facing Dobbins, who throws three-quarter sidearm much of the time.

He may give the right handed hitters a tough time

Looking for a player prop? Javier Baez is smoking hot for Detroit: five hits, three homers, and eight RBI in this series against Boston. At this point in his career, Baez is a headcase who usually gets out and into a funk frequently.

His hot streak may continue on Wednesday: if he homers it could be +550 (win $550 on a $100 wager from BetMGM).

MLB BEST BET: $100 wager on NRFI for BOS vs DET, -120

YRFI Pick: Rockies at Rangers

At first blush it would seem this is a nice pick for NRFI, because the hapless Rockies are 29th in baseball in runs scored, and the Rangers are 27th. But, Texas has 20 runs in its last four games, showing signs of resurgence.

This is a lineup that should be capable of keeping the team in the mix for the AL West title.

With Corey Seager healthy, the top of the order is formidable

Seager is one of the most decorated shortstops in baseball. He was Rookie of the Year in 2016, has won the Most Valuable Player Award for the World Series twice, and is a five-time All-Star.

In 2022, Seager was second in AL MVP voting

His absence earlier this season cast a cloud over the Rangers. Now, his left handed bat is back, and Texas is winning.

Antonio Senzatela has allowed four earned runs in four of his last five starts.

The right hander from Venezuela is having troubles with his four-seam fastball (opponents are hitting .376 off that pitch), and if that weren't enough, opponents are batting .526 off his changeup. Ouch.

Texas will have veteran Patrick Corbin on the mound. The tall left hander deserves more acclaim for his steady reliability.

He hasn't missed a turn in the rotation in ten years: not since 2015

In his recent outings, he's been superb, allowing two earned runs or less in each of his last five starts. He's been economical about it too: he's used as few as 93 pitches to go seven innings, and kept his total under 90 while getting 15+ outs in most of his starts.

Tonight I expect the Rangers to push across a run in the first off Senzatela, who has a career 5.69 ERA in the opening frame.

He's also allowed 22 home runs in the first inning, the most of any frame for his career.

MLB BEST BET: $100 wager on YRFI for COL vs TEX, +135

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YRFI for Wednesday: Astros vs Royals

Don't look now, but the Houston Astros are poised to move into the upper tier of the American League West...again.

The Astros have won four of six. At 21-20, Houston is seeking a sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

For our purposes all we care about is whether a run will cross the plate in the first inning. Says here: yes. That's because the Royals and Astros have several tough hitters at the top of their lineups, including:

• Jeremy Peña
• Jose Altuve
• Isaac Paredes
• Bobby Witt Jr.
• Jonathan India
• Vinnie Pasquantino
• and Salvador Perez

So far, neither the Astros nor the Royals have exhibited a proclivity for hitting the longball much in 2025.

But, several of the batters in these lineups have the ability to put the ball in play. Altuve has three multi-hit games in his last four contests.

Witt Jr. has two multi-hit games in his last four, and India has five hits in his last two games against Houston.

Wager $100 on YRFI, and if a run scores in the first frame, you win $140 plus your stake.

MLB BEST BET: $100 wager on YRFI for KCR vs HOU, +140