John Miller continues his successful run of MLB first-inning betting predictions as the 2025 season delivers exciting opportunities for quick-result wagers.
"When you don't want to sweat out three-hour games, YRFI and NRFI bets give you results in about 15 minutes," baseball analysts note about the increasingly popular betting market.
The first recommendation focuses on the Minnesota Twins vs Los Angeles "Dodgers" matchup, where Shohei Ohtani takes the mound for the home team. Despite the Dodgers' recent offensive struggles, Ohtani's dominant 1.00 ERA and microscopic .149 expected batting average against make a scoreless first inning the smart play.
Ohtani's recent performances against the Astros and Giants demonstrate his elite form, and facing a Minnesota lineup represents a step down in competition. The two-way superstar should continue his pattern of first-inning dominance at home.
Interestingly, while the Dodgers could potentially break out against Twins starter David Festa (who carries a concerning 5.25 ERA) later in the game, their recent offensive slump suggests the early innings will remain quiet.
The second recommendation takes us to Cleveland, where the "Orioles" face the "Guardians" in what projects as a high-scoring first inning. Baltimore sends struggling right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to the mound, whose alarming 5.80 xERA and minimal 14% strikeout rate make him one of the American League's most vulnerable starters.
Cleveland's offense has been clicking lately – can they continue their momentum after scoring 34 runs across their last six games?
Meanwhile, Cleveland's Tanner Bibee has surrendered 11 earned runs in his last three starts, suggesting Baltimore's lineup could also scratch across early damage. Sometimes the numbers tell a clear story, and this matchup screams early scoring.
Will these predictions hold up? For bettors looking for quick results and solid value, these first-inning plays might just deliver the fastest payouts of the day.
