Navigate

MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Saturday (10/4)

by |

The 2025 MLB Postseason rolls on with all four Divisional Series getting underway on Saturday. 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 Saturday, October 4.

Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>

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

(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies

Starting Pitchers: Shohei Ohtani vs. Cristopher Sanchez

This is the best starting pitching matchup for Saturday's Divisional Series games. We have Shohei Ohtani on the mound for Los Angeles, while Cristopher Sanchez starts for Philadelphia. Despite loaded lineups on both sides, these two stud arms should combine for a scoreless first inning. 

Sanchez just posted a Cy Young-caliber season for the Phillies, finishing with a 2.50 ERA and 2.55 FIP. That dominance usually started in the first inning, too. The southpaw posted a 27-5 NRFI record this year (84%), with a 1.69 ERA and .191 batting average allowed in the opening frame. He also owns a career 78% NRFI rate. 

Of course, Sanchez will have to deal with Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman to start this game. Yet, the Phillies' ace should be up to the task. He was elite at home this season with a 1.94 ERA. Sanchez also tossed a scoreless first inning in 13-of-15 home starts. Plus, he ended the year strong with a 1.92 FIP over his past 11 starts. 

On the other side, Ohtani brings in a 2.87 ERA this season. He comes in pitching very well lately with a 0.46 ERA over his past four starts, featuring no a current 17.1 scoreless innings streak. That also includes five no-hit innings against the Phillies in September. 

Ohtani has held opponents scoreless in the first inning in 11-of-14 starts this year. He's done it in seven straight outings coming in as well. The Dodgers' right-hander also owns a 1.93 ERA and .184 batting average allowed in the opening frame. 

Pick: NRFI (-135)

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers 

Starting Pitchers: Matthew Boyd vs. Freddy Peralta

A pair of NL Central foes face off in Saturday's other NLDS Game 1 matchup. We're also looking at the NRFI in this game with a pair of upside starting pitchers who boast promising stats and trends. 

Cubs starter Matthew Boyd had a quality 3.21 ERA and 1.09 WHIP this season. He just pitched pretty well in the Wild Card series against San Diego, allowing only one run over 4.1 innings. Boyd had been shaky to end the regular season, but all we need is a scoreless first inning from the veteran lefty today. 

Boyd posted a solid 23-8 NRFI record this year (74%), including a scoreless first inning in 13-of-16 road starts. Notably, the Chicago southpaw now owns an impressive 42-12 NRFI mark over the past three seasons combined (78%). He also held the Brewers scoreless in the opening frame of both outings against them during the regular season. 

Meanwhile, Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta was one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, with a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. That included an elite 1.77 ERA at home as well. The right-hander also ended the season strong, posting a 1.76 ERA over his final 10 starts. 

Plus, Peralta's dominance featured a 28-5 NRFI record (85%) this year. He also tossed a scoreless first inning in 16-of-17 home starts. The Brewers' righty had a 1.91 ERA and .192 batting average allowed in the opening frame as well. He should take care of business early, considering the Cubs just failed to score a first-inning run in all three Wild Card games. 

Pick: NRFI (-145)

Try Premium for FREE in our mobile app

BettingPros App