MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Wednesday (7/3)
The 2024 MLB season continues with all 30 teams in action on Wednesday. A few powerhouse battles are scheduled as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds.
Sports bettors wanting to get in on the action without sweating through an entire nine-inning contest can turn to MLB No Run First Inning (NRFI) tickets for a quick result. Here's a look at MLB NRFI options that stand out when comparing odds on this week's hump day.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet – Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
- Top Bettor Picks for MLB
- MLB PrizePicks Cheat Sheet
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Wednesday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Baltimore Orioles (+100) at Seattle Mariners (-118)
Starting Pitchers: Dean Kremer vs. Logan Gilbert
Two division leaders clash at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday. Baltimore took the opening game of this series against Seattle by a score of 2-0 thanks to an outstanding performance from Grayson Rodriguez. Right-hander Dean Kremer (3-4, 4.32 ERA) will look to replicate that success in his return from a triceps strain. He will be opposed by Logan Gilbert (5-4, 2.72 ERA), who leads the Mariners rotation with an impressive 0.88 WHIP.
It’s worth noting Gilbert has yet to allow a first-inning run across eight home starts in 2024. The 27-year-old has also held opposing hitters to a .208 batting average in the first inning throughout his career. Causing early frustration at the plate has been a specialty of Gilbert’s. Overall, an NRFI bet has cashed in 30 of Seattle’s 43 home contests this campaign. That’s the second-best rate in the American League.
Kremer may be on a pitch limit, but that doesn’t matter as only three outs are needed for this wager to win. The Mariners sent out J.P. Crawford, Ty France, Luke Raley and Cal Raleigh as their top four batters on Tuesday night. That foursome has gone a combined 3-for-25 against Kremer in past matchups. The first inning has also ended with zeroes on the scoreboard in 29 of Baltimore’s 39 road games.
Bet: NRFI (-140)
Philadelphia Phillies (-126) at Chicago Cubs (+108)
Starting Pitchers: Zack Wheeler vs. Shota Imanaga
Baseball fans should pay attention to the pitching duel at Wrigley Field on Wednesday evening. Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler draws the nod opposite Chicago’s Shota Imanaga. Wheeler currently ranks among the top six National League pitchers in ERA (2.73), WHIP (0.98) and strikeouts (112). Meanwhile, Imanaga remains in the Rookie of the Year race thanks to his 3.07 ERA through 15 starts (85.0 innings).
Wheeler has been lights out in the beginning frame this season. The All-Star hurler has given up just two earned runs and two extra-base hits over 17 first innings while logging 19 strikeouts. That should scare a Cubs offense that has not scored in the first inning during seven of its last 10 contests. A struggle to rack up early knocks is a big reason why 27 of Chicago’s 41 home games have not seen a first-inning run scored.
It’s important to point out that the Phillies are without Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper right now. The team is a dismal 6-for-37 with runners in scoring position since those two stars were placed on the injured list. Imanaga has showcased a nasty split-finger and it has helped him avoid being tagged for a first-inning run in seven of his eight home starts. Philly is going to need some time to make adjustments.
Bet: NRFI (-132)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: