MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Mets vs. Phillies (Thursday)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on with the All-Star break in the books. There's only one game on the schedule tonight as the second half of the season gets underway. Let's dive into the top MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks to lock in.
If you're unfamiliar with NRFI bets, here's a quick explanation: We're simply betting that neither team will score a run in the first inning. That means we have a 0-0 scoreline after both teams bat in the opening frame. Conversely, you can bet on the YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning). Without further ado, let's jump into today's best MLB NRFI picks.
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Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Starting Pitchers: Christian Scott vs. Aaron Nola
The Phillies host the Mets in tonight's standalone game. We have Christian Scott starting for New York, while Aaron Nola toes the rubber for Philadelphia. It's an interesting pitching matchup, featuring a second-year starter in Scott and the veteran Nola. Let's count on both to cash the NRFI today.
Nola is having a rough season with his 5.75 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. The Phillies right-hander has clearly lost a step, dating back to last year. However, we only need him to get through the first inning tonight. That's something Nola has proven he can do, despite struggling later in starts.
Nola has tossed a scoreless first inning in 14 of his 19 starts this season (74%). That includes a 6-2 NRFI record at home. He also boasts a career 78% NRFI mark when pitching at home in Philly, including a 52-12 record since the 2022 season (81%).
Tonight, Nola faces a Mets offense ranked 23rd in the Majors in first-inning runs scored. They also rank 29th and 27th, respectively, in walk rate and wOBA in the opening frame. Plus, New York is batting just .194 with a .255 wOBA on the road in the first inning this season. The offense ranks 29th in first-inning runs scored on the road.
On the other side, Scott brings in a 3.17 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 12 starts this season. He's been mostly solid in the New York rotation, allowing two earned runs or fewer in nine of his last 12 outings. The right-hander also owns a 2.62 ERA over his last seven starts.
Facing the Phillies on the road is tough, but Scott can also survive the first inning without giving up a run. He has a decent 8-4 NRFI record this season, with just a .222 batting average allowed in the opening frame. Scott also has a career 16-5 NRFI mark in his two seasons (76%).
Meanwhile, the Phillies have just a .132 first-inning batting average during July, which ranks 29th in the Majors. They also have a league-worst 30.6% strikeout rate in the opening frame overall this season. We also have to consider that Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper both had busy All-Star weeks, which could create a slow start in this first game back.
Pick: NRFI (+115)