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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Saturday (9/20)

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Saturday brings along another loaded slate of MLB games. As you enjoy the weekend 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, September 20th.

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

(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros

Starting Pitchers: George Kirby vs. Framber Valdez

This weekend's series between the Mariners and Astros is a huge one. The American League West rivals are battling it out for the divisional crown with about a week left in the regular season. Let's get some action on the NRFI ahead of Saturday night's matchup. 

Astros starter Framber Valdez has not been sharp lately, with a 6.41 ERA over his past eight starts. However, we get him at home today, where he boasts a 2.21 ERA this season. Valdez also owns a 2.06 ERA over his past seven home outings. 

In a similar vein, Valdez's 19-10 NRFI record and 4.97 first-inning ERA aren't ideal. Yet, he's tossed a scoreless opening frame in 10 out of 14 home starts. That includes a 7-1 NRFI mark over his past eight home starts. Plus, the Houston southpaw has held the Mariners scoreless in the first inning in both starts against them this season. 

On that note, Seattle is batting just .207 in the first inning during September. It's a good spot for Valdez to start the outing strong. This is still the same pitcher who posted a 25-3 NRFI record last year (89%) and 25-6 NRFI in 2023 (81%). Plus, he owns a career 78% NRFI rate. 

Meanwhile, Mariners starter George Kirby can hold serve as well. The righty boasts a 17-4 NRFI record this year (81%). He also had a solid 24-9 NRFI mark last year (73%). Kirby now faces an Astros offense that's batting just .217 with a 36.2% strikeout rate in the first inning during September.

Pick: NRFI (-135)

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers

Starting Pitchers: Kai-Wei Teng vs. Tyler Glasnow

Welcome to another divisional rivalry with plenty of playoff implications. The Dodgers are trying to lock up the National League West, while the Giants fight to stay alive in the National League Wild Card race. Let's bank on the pitchers to have the upper hand in the first inning for tonight's matchup. 

Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow is pitching very well lately, with a 2.66 ERA over 11 starts since returning to the rotation in July. He's also allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last seven outings. Glasnow will benefit from pitching at home, where he owns a 2.38 ERA over 10 starts. 

The right-hander has also been dealing in the first inning. He boasts a 14-2 NRFI record this year (88%) with a 1.69 ERA and .115 batting average allowed in the opening frame. This is a trend for Glasnow, who had a 19-3 NRFI mark last season (86%) and a 19-2 NRFI in 2023 (91%). That first-inning dominance should continue at home this weekend. 

On the other side, we have to trust Giants starter Kai-Wei Teng on the road. It's definitely a big ask, especially against the Dodgers. But, hopefully, the right-hander can help cash the NRFI after Glasnow does his thing. 

Teng's 6.41 ERA this season and 3-3 NRFI record are tough to stomach. Yet, he's facing a Dodgers lineup that's actually hitting just .148 in the first inning during September (29th). They also have a rough .172 wOBA in the opening frame this month (29th). The only first-inning offense that's been worse lately is Colorado. 

Pick: NRFI (-120)

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