The 2026 MLB season is now in full swing. Thursday brings along a smaller slate of games, but we still have some intriguing no runs first inning (NRFI) angles to lock in. Let's dive into our top MLB no runs first inning (NRFI) picks for Thursday, April 2nd.
If you're unfamiliar with NRFI bets, here's a quick explanation: We're simply betting that neither team will score a run in the first inning. That means we have a 0-0 scoreline after both teams bat in the opening frame. Conversely, you can bet YRFI, or yes runs first inning. Without further ado, let's jump into the best NRFI picks for today’s games.
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Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants
Starting Pitchers: David Peterson vs. Robbie Ray
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with the Giants hosting the Mets. We have a pair of starting pitchers with promising first-inning track records. Plus, the pitcher-friendly environment of Oracle Park helps out.
Mets starter David Peterson posted a 24-6 NRFI record last year (80%), while allowing just a .193 batting average in the opening frame. He also had a 20-1 NRFI mark in 2024 (95%). Overall, the southpaw has tossed a scoreless first inning in 77% of his career starts.
Peterson began this season without allowing a first-inning run in his first turn through the rotation, while throwing 5.1 shutout innings as well. He'll now face a Giants offense batting just .200 against left-handed pitching this year. Peterson can get by unscathed, especially with his 12-3 NRFI mark on the road a season ago.
Meanwhile, Robbie Ray should do his part for San Francisco. The lefty had a 24-8 NRFI mark last season (75%), with a 2.81 ERA and .196 batting average allowed in the first frame. He owns a career 72% NRFI rate, and started this year strong with a scoreless opening inning in his first outing. Ray will take on a Mets lineup hitting only .167 against left-handers so far.
Pick: NRFI (-130)
Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Starting Pitchers: Reynaldo Lopez vs. Ryne Nelson
Our second NRFI pick today features a late-night matchup. Reynaldo Lopez and the Braves visit Ryne Nelson and the Diamondbacks on Thursday night. This pair of starting pitchers is worth backing to anchor a scoreless first inning.
Nelson has recorded impressive NRFI numbers in recent seasons. The Arizona right-hander posted a 19-4 NRFI record last year (82%), including 10-2 at home. He also tossed a scoreless opening frame in 21 of his 25 starts in 2024 (84%), while owning a career 80% NRFI rate.
Nelson threw a scoreless first inning in his season debut against the Dodgers last week. He can do it again at home tonight, even against a dangerous Braves lineup. Notably, the Diamondbacks starter was much better at home than on the road last season, headlined by a 2.71 ERA in home outings compared to a 4.26 road ERA.
On the other side, Lopez gets the start for Atlanta. The right-hander only made one start last season, and he gave up a first-inning run before missing the rest of the season. Before that, though, Lopez posted an elite 23-2 NRFI record (92%) in 2024. He also has a decent 71% career NRFI mark as a starter.
In his first start of this year, Lopez tossed a scoreless first inning amid a strong outing overall. He allowed just one run over six innings against the Royals. Let's count on the veteran carrying that momentum into this road start.
Pick: NRFI (-104)
