MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Wednesday (9/11)
The 2024 MLB season continues with all 30 teams in action on Wednesday. A few powerhouse battles are scheduled as the Baltimore Orioles visit the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs.
Sports bettors wanting to get in on the action without sweating through an entire nine-inning showdown can turn to MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) tickets for a quick result. Here's a peek at MLB NRFI options that jump 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
Join our new MLB Betting Group to share bets and compete in leaderboards >>
Wednesday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Atlanta Braves (-176) at Washington Nationals (+148)
Starting Pitchers: Max Fried vs. Jake Irvin
The Braves and Nationals have been NRFI machines. The first inning has ended scoreless in 50 of Atlanta’s 74 road contests (67.6%) and 44 of Washington’s 70 home contests (62.9%). Both of those marks rank among the top three rates in baseball. There’s much to like about those trends continuing on Wednesday with Max Fried (9-8, 3.35 ERA) and Jake Irvin (9-12, 4.28 ERA) on the mound.
Irvin has posted a respectable 2.38 ERA in the opening frame this campaign and has kept his opponent off the scoreboard in eight of his last nine first innings. It’s worth noting the 27-year-old has also given up only two earned runs over 17.1 innings against the Braves in 2024. Irvin has held contributors like Marcell Ozuna (2-for-9), Matt Olson (1-for-8) and Michael Harris (2-for-9) in check with relative ease.
Not to be outdone, Fried has left the first inning unscathed in an impressive 17 of his last 18 starts. That includes when he logged eight shutout innings versus this same Nationals team in May. Washington is averaging the second-fewest first-inning runs per game (0.38) and is slugging .361 against left-handed pitching (25th in MLB). It is a lineup Fried should be able to pick apart in the nation’s capital.
Bet: NRFI (-115)
Kansas City Royals (+128) at New York Yankees (-152)
Starting Pitchers: Cole Ragans vs. Luis Gil
A series win is up for grabs when the Royals clash with the Yankees on Wednesday. That’s a big deal considering each side is fighting for seeding in the American League playoff race. Kansas City hands the ball to Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.33 ERA), while New York starts Luis Gil (13-6, 3.24 ERA). It’s an exciting matchup as opposing batters are not collectively hitting over .218 when facing either pitcher this year.
It’s always risky to trust a rookie. However, Gil has looked as polished as they come. His recent return from a back injury strengthened that notion as he surrendered one hit across six innings versus the Cubs. The right-hander has been tagged for one home run through 25 first innings and recorded an 11.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 13 home starts. An ability to limit the long ball and get out of jams by causing whiffs is a great combination.
Ragans has exited the first inning without a run allowed in seven of his last eight road starts. Confronting the top of the Yankees lineup is a tough task, though Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have combined for just four extra-base hits in September (nine games). Expect Ragans to take advantage of a small slump by New York’s stars. An NRFI wager has cashed in 46 of the Royals’ 71 games away from Kauffman Stadium (64.8%).
Bet: NRFI (-113)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: