As the 2024 MLB season nears its conclusion, we’re taking a deep dive into the performance of teams when it comes to NRFI (No Runs First Inning) opportunities. Whether you’re tracking betting trends or just curious about how teams fare in the early stages of games, this report offers valuable insights based on the latest data.
What is NRFI?
NRFI, or “No Runs First Inning,” refers to a bet where a team does not score a run in the first inning of a game. It’s a popular metric for bettors who want to predict the first-inning outcome, and understanding a team’s NRFI trends can give you a significant edge.
Key Highlights from the 2024 NRFI Data
Teams That Fail to Score in the First Inning
Several teams consistently struggle to generate offense in the first inning, making them prime candidates for NRFI wagers. Some standout teams include:
- White Sox: With an impressive 79% NRFI, the White Sox are one of the top teams for failing to score in the first inning.
- Nationals and Pirates: Both teams are at 79%, matching the White Sox for top NRFI performance this season.
- Cardinals: Clocking in at 76% NRFI, the Cardinals are another reliable NRFI team.
For those following the NRFI betting market, these teams offer strong opportunities when facing both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.
Pitching Matchups Matter
Breaking down the NRFI performance against left- and right-handed pitchers offers even more insight:
- Angels have a dominant 87% NRFI rate against left-handed pitchers. They rarely score in the first inning when facing LHPs.
- Cardinals and Pirates both post 87% and 85% NRFI against LHP and RHP, respectively. These teams consistently struggle to produce early runs against either type of pitcher, making them solid NRFI options.
Overall Game NRFI Trends
Not only do individual teams provide insight into NRFI betting opportunities, but the overall game trends also point to valuable patterns. For example:
- Pirates, Angels, and Nationals are great for game-wide NRFI, with their games resulting in no runs scored in the first inning roughly 59-60% of the time.
- Teams like the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rangers hover around the 49-52% mark, suggesting more balanced outcomes where early runs are more frequent.
The Betting Impact
Understanding these trends can be extremely beneficial for bettors looking to capitalize on NRFI markets. Teams with high NRFI percentages like the White Sox, Nationals, and Pirates consistently provide value for those seeking to place NRFI bets. Meanwhile, teams like the Padres and Diamondbacks, with lower NRFI percentages, might offer more YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning) potential.
This points out that it’s essential to focus on teams like the Angels and Cardinals, who tend to struggle early against left-handed pitchers, making them excellent NRFI candidates when facing LHP.