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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Monday (10/13)

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The 2025 MLB Postseason rolls on with two matchups on Monday. The NLCS gets underway with Game 1 between the Dodgers and Brewers. Plus, we have Mariners vs. Blue Jays ALCS Game 2 on tap today. As you enjoy the playoff baseball, let’s dive into the top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks and predictions.

If you're unfamiliar with MLB NRFI bets, they’re pretty simple. We're betting on whether or not any runs will be scored in the first inning by either team. Both starting pitchers must pitch a scoreless first inning for the bet to cash. 

Let's get to my favorite MLB NRFI picks and plays for Monday, October 13.

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Monday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks

(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

Seattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays

Starting Pitchers: Logan Gilbert vs. Trey Yesavage

Let's start with the ALCS Game 2 matchup between Seattle and Toronto. We have Logan Gilbert on the mound for the Mariners, while rookie Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. This pitching matchup should cash the NRFI today. 

In Game 1 last night, George Springer hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. There were also four other baserunners from both teams combined in the opening frame. Plus, there's been a ton of first-inning scoring in this postseason so far. Despite all that, we're counting on Gilbert and Yesavage to combine for a scoreless first. 

Gilbert comes into this start pitching well. The Mariners' right-hander tossed six strong innings of one-run ball against the Tigers last round, with the only run coming in the fifth frame. He also threw two scoreless innings in relief during the marathon clincher. 

Gilbert also posted a 2.30 ERA over his final five starts of the regular season. He should be up for this road outing, too. The righty's 4.74 road ERA this year isn't ideal, but he actually owns an impressive 2.43 ERA over his past five road starts. That includes his good ALDS outing in Detroit. 

During the regular season, Gilbert had just a 16-9 NRFI record (64%). However, he ended the year strong in that area and has carried it into the postseason. He's now tossed a scoreless first inning in 12 of his last 14 starts, including the ALDS start. 

Yesavage is likely the bigger question mark to the NRFI equation, but there are reasons for optimism. The Blue Jays' rookie was electric in the Divisional Series with 5.1 no-hit innings and 11 strikeouts against the Yankees. He'll be well-rested for today's outing with over a week in between starts. That should give him extra juice for the first inning. 

Including the playoffs, Yesavage now boasts a 2.33 ERA across four MLB outings this year. He's tossed a scoreless first frame in three of those four starts as well, including three straight. Let's count on the exciting youngster to begin Game 2 strongly for Toronto. 

Pick: NRFI (-135)

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers 

Starting Pitchers: Blake Snell vs. TBD

Let's now turn our attention to NLCS Game 1 as the Brewers host the Dodgers. Blake Snell has been excellent in the postseason. In his two starts, he's allowed only two runs with 18 strikeouts over 13 combined innings. That includes six shutout frames against the Phillies in the NLDS. He also tossed a scoreless first inning of both outings. 

The Dodgers' southpaw had a 2.35 ERA and 2.70 FIP in the regular season, and he's carried that dominance over into the playoffs. Snell also had an elite 2.09 ERA over his final eight outings of the year, before keeping it going in the Wild Card and Divisional rounds. 

Snell also has some strong first-inning numbers. He posted an 8-3 NRFI record during the regular season, with a 1.64 ERA and .162 batting average allowed in the first. The lefty also had a 17-3 NRFI mark last year and owns a career 78.5% NRFI rate. Though he'll face a Brewers lineup that scored a ton of first-inning runs last round, Snell presents a tough matchup of his own. 

Meanwhile, the Brewers haven't announced their starter as of this writing. It could be an opener with a bulk reliever following. Manager Pat Murphy also mentioned Jose Quintana or Quinn Priester as possible starters. If it's Quintana, he had an 18-6 NRFI record this year with a 2.25 ERA and .193 batting average allowed in the first inning. If it's Priester, he had a solid 17-7 NRFI record this season. As for an opener, that's a bit tougher to handicap. 

Either way, the Los Angeles offense has been fadeable in the first inning lately. The Dodgers have scored in the first inning in just one of their six postseason games thus far. They also failed to score in the opening frame in all four NLDS matchups, while managing just two total hits across those four opening innings. 

Pick: NRFI (-140)

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