MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Wednesday (9/18)

The 2024 MLB season continues with all 30 teams in action on Wednesday. A few powerhouse battles are scheduled as the Houston Astros visit the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers host the Philadelphia Phillies.

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 look at MLB NRFI options that stick out when comparing odds 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)

Washington Nationals (+136) at New York Mets (-162)

Starting Pitchers: DJ Herz vs. Jose Quintana

Bettors should have their eyes on a National League East rivalry. That is because the first inning has ended with no one crossing home plate in 10 of the 11 clashes between the Nationals and Mets this year. It’s a trend with a good chance of continuing given Washington’s DJ Herz (4-7, 3.70 ERA) and New York’s Jose Quintana (9-9, 3.91 ERA) are slated to start on Wednesday. The two should exploit great matchups.

Quintana has held his opponents scoreless in the first inning during seven of his last eight starts. The veteran southpaw has also limited this Nationals roster to a slash line of .157/.246/.255 with just three extra-base hits in 51 at-bats. That shouldn’t be surprising considering Washington ranks 25th with a .669 OPS against left-handers. Take note that an NRFI wager has cashed in 51 of the Mets’ 76 home games (67.1%) this campaign.

In the other dugout, Herz has posted a respectable 2.65 ERA over 17 first innings. The rookie benefits from the fact New York averages the fourth-fewest first-inning runs per home game (0.39) and checks in with the third-most strikeouts in the opening frame (172). It’s an offense that may still be without star shortstop Francisco Lindor due to an injury as well. Trust Herz to take advantage and force three quick outs.

Bet: NRFI (-142)

Atlanta Braves (-142) at Cincinnati Reds (+120)

Starting Pitchers: Spencer Schwellenbach vs. Jakob Junis

Targeting hurlers on hot streaks is a worthwhile strategy here. Atlanta’s Spencer Schwellenbach (6-7, 3.73 ERA) has not been tagged for more than three earned runs in any of his past nine starts. Cincinnati’s Jakob Junis (4-0, 2.73 ERA) has conceded a total of two earned runs across his previous four pitching appearances (17.2 innings). Of course, momentum on the mound bodes well when searching for NRFI options.

There’s no denying the Braves have a few scary sluggers at the top of their lineup. However, Junis has yet to surrender a single hit in the first inning (four starts) and has shut down Atlanta’s top power duo before. Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna have combined to log 10 strikeouts and only two knocks in 22 at-bats versus Junis. Overall, the first inning has finished scoreless in 46 of the Reds’ 76 home games (60.5%).

It’s a similar track record for the Braves’ road contests. The first inning has featured zeroes on the scoreboard in 51 of Atlanta’s 76 games away from Truist Park (67.1%). Schwellenbach has recorded an impressive 1.50 ERA through 18 first innings and allowed two homers in nine away starts. The 24-year-old should have no trouble excelling against a Cincinnati squad with the worst first-inning batting average in the Majors (.203).

Bet: NRFI (-113)

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