MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Thursday (7/4)

It's a day for fireworks on and off the field as we celebrate No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets on Independence Day. It's a popular betting market where gamblers wager on whether the first inning of an MLB game will end with zero runs scored by either team. Pretty simple. These bets heavily depend on the starting pitchers and consider factors like pitcher stats, team tendencies, ballpark conditions and weather.

Some teams consistently score early, while others struggle. These NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. Some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. We can capitalize on this in the NRFI market. If you've done your research, NRFI bets can provide an edge over other markets. I'm here to help provide that edge. As always, shop around for the best odds and be on the lookout for any lineup changes or injury news.

Let's get to it.

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Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks

Last Time: 2-0 | MLB Season: 15-11

New York Mets at Washington Nationals

Starting Pitchers: Jose Quintana vs. Jake Irvin

To start the Fourth of July we got an early morning start with the Mets facing the Nationals. Jose Quintana has not only had solid splits in day games but recently he's been pitching well. In the first inning, he owns a 3.38 ERA while limiting opponents to a .220 batting average. The Nationals are one of the worst teams at scoring early, so even with their new hot prospect up, I'm not too worried about Washington scoring.

Taking the bump for Washington is Jake Irvin, who not only reps a 2.31 ERA in his last six starts but has a solid 3.18 ERA in the opening frame. With how early this game is starting, the benefit is in line with the pitchers, so don't expect too many early fireworks to start this holiday. With these odds, I'm loving this bet.

Play: NRFI (+100 on FanDuel)

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians

Starting Pitchers: Chad Kuhl vs. Ben Lively

Next up we have an American League matchup for the ages. Maybe not, but it is a great spot for betting given the matchup. The White Sox are one of the worst teams at scoring early, so we have a similar situation to the Nationals. For hitting, Cleveland hasn't exactly been spectacular either early in games. While Chad Kuhl has a low sample size he has yet to allow a run in the first inning this season. He's performed well against the Guardians in the past and matches up well with Cleveland, holding Josh Naylor to 1-for-8 lifetime. This is another great opportunity for no runs to be scored in the first frame. It's not fun, I know. But it is a good bet.

Play: NRFI (-115 on ESPN BET)

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates

Starting Pitchers: Andre Pallante vs. Martin Perez

On paper, Martin Perez has not been a great pitcher to back overall recently with an inflated 9.28 ERA in his last five games. But if we dig a little deeper we see his electric 0.75 ERA in the first inning, allowing one earned run in 12 starts this season. Andre Pallante isn't as electric but still reps a 3.00 ERA in the opening frame this year. The Cardinals starter also lines up well with the Pirates’ lineup, limiting players like Bryan Reynolds to a .125 batting average and Ke'Bryan Hayes to a .200 average.

Pittsburgh is also in the bottom half of first-inning scoring with only 33 such runs this year. St. Louis isn't far ahead with 39 runs scored. I know it isn't particularly exciting to go with three NRFI bets on the day of fireworks, so I will say if you're looking for some early scoring bets to make I'd go with Cincinnati-New York or Houston-Toronto. Happy Fourth of July!

Play: NRFI (-115 on ESPN BET)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: