MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Wednesday (4/15)
The 2026 MLB season continues on Wednesday with all 30 teams in action. Several entertaining games are scheduled, including an American League Central showdown between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers. A clash between the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies will surely draw attention on the National League side. Sports bettors wanting to get in on the action without sweating through an entire nine-inning contest can turn to MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks for a quick result.
Here's a look at two MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks that stick out from the rest on this week's hump day.
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Wednesday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
San Francisco Giants (-108) at Cincinnati Reds (-108)
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Mahle vs. Rhett Lowder
The Reds will aim to secure a series victory on Wednesday after defeating the Giants 2-1 on Tuesday night. Rookie Rhett Lowder will be on the mound for Cincinnati, while veteran Tyler Mahle will toe the rubber for San Francisco. Pitchers having the early advantage has become the norm when these squads meet. Nine of the past 10 matchups between the Reds and Giants have featured zeroes on the scoreboard at the end of the first inning.
Lowder draws a fantastic home matchup. San Francisco has recorded a league-low .272 on-base percentage (OBP) versus right-handed pitching, with the fewest home runs in the Majors (nine). A weak lineup goes a long way in offsetting the hitter-friendly dimensions of Great American Ball Park. Take note that Lowder has not allowed a first-inning earned run in any of his nine career starts. Back the young arm to keep improving.
Cincinnati’s offense hasn’t fared any better so far. The Reds sport the lowest OPS in the National League (.624) and are one of four MLB teams without a first-inning home run. Mahle is in a good spot to triumph, especially given he has 54 career starts in Cincinnati under his belt. Overall, the 31-year-old right-hander has tossed an unblemished opening frame in nine of his previous 12 outings. Expect him to gather some quick outs.
Pick: NRFI (-128)
Boston Red Sox (-134) at Minnesota Twins (+114)
Starting Pitchers: Connelly Early vs. Simeon Woods Richardson
The Red Sox will attempt to avoid a series sweep when they battle the Twins on Wednesday. Boston’s Connelly Early draws the start, opposite Minnesota’s Simeon Woods Richardson. These rosters contain several star players, but lack an instant spark. The Red Sox have failed to cross home plate in 12 of their 15 first innings facing a right-hander. The Twins have failed to score in the first inning in 14 out of 18 games in 2026.
Experience works in Woods Richardson’s favor here. The fifth-year pro has logged an impressive 2.83 ERA and limited opponents to a .203 batting average across 54 career first innings. That includes when he posted a clean opening frame against Boston last July. Woods Richardson has proven he can be trusted and confronts a Red Sox lineup that sees its OPS drop from .692 at home to .642 on the road. That’s a recipe for success.
Early may not have the experience that Woods Richardson has. However, the crafty southpaw knows how to escape jams. Early has held hitters to a .182/.282/.213 slash line with runners on base during his first seven MLB appearances. Handling pressure is crucial in a market where only three outs are needed to cash a bet. Early has finished the first inning unscathed in four straight starts and has a great shot to make it five straight.
Pick: NRFI (-130)