MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (5/14)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings another loaded slate of games, and the action starts early with a slew of afternoon matchups. Let’s dive into some MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks to lock in before the games get going.
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 the best MLB NRFI picks for Thursday, May 14th.
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Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting Pitchers: Landen Roupp vs. Emmet Sheehan
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with a divisional matchup between the Giants and Dodgers. We have Landen Roupp on the mound for San Francisco, while Emmet Sheehan starts for Los Angeles. This pair of young starters has what it takes to combine for a scoreless first inning in this National League West showdown.
On the surface, Sheehan's first-inning profile isn't too promising. The Dodgers right-hander has just a 3-4 NRFI record this season with an ugly 10.29 ERA in the opening frame. Plus, he only owns a career 60% NRFI rate, while sporting a 6.30 ERA in the first inning. That's not exactly trustworthy.
However, Sheehan at home is a different story. He's tossed a scoreless first inning in 15 out of 17 home starts throughout his career. That includes an excellent 1.59 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in the opening frame when pitching at Dodger Stadium. So far this season, he boasts a 3-1 NRFI record at home, and he has a 10-1 home NRFI mark over the past two seasons combined.
Sheehan will also face a Giants offense ranked 24th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored this season. San Francisco has just a .297 wOBA in the opening frame against right-handed pitchers, which ranks 25th. Furthermore, the lineup has a league-low .095 wOBA in the first inning over the past week.
Meanwhile, Roupp brings some strong NRFI numbers. He's tossed a scoreless opening frame in all eight of his starts so far this season. The Giants right-hander also owns a career 26-8 NRFI record (76.5%), with a 2.65 ERA in the first inning. Plus, he's posted a 14-4 NRFI record on the road during his career (77.8%).
Facing the Dodgers on the road will definitely be a tall task for Roupp. Still, his NRFI track record is hard to ignore even in this matchup. Plus, the Dodgers’ offense only has a .274 wOBA in the first inning over the past two weeks, which ranks 24th in the Majors.
Pick: NRFI (-148)
San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Starting Pitchers: Griffin Canning vs. Kyle Harrison
Our second NRFI pick today features the Brewers hosting the Padres in an afternoon tilt. At first glance, the starting pitching matchup doesn't exactly scream NRFI. It'll be Griffin Canning on the bump for San Diego, while Kyle Harrison starts for Milwaukee. However, there's value in the NRFI here.
Kyle Harrison is off to a strong start for the Brewers. He boasts a 2.41 ERA over his first seven outings, with two runs allowed or fewer in every start. That's also translated to some first-inning success. The left-hander has posted a 5-2 NRFI record thus far, including just a .160 batting average allowed in the opening frame.
The Milwaukee starter now gets a favorable home matchup, at least early on. The Padres rank dead last in the Majors in first-inning batting average (.134), wOBA (.215) and runs scored (eight). They've also scored only two runs on the road in the opening frame this season. Furthermore, San Diego's lineup has a woeful .057 road batting average in the first inning.
On the other side, Griffin Canning is the bigger wild card for this NRFI equation. The Padres right-hander just got rocked for six runs in his latest start against the Cardinals. However, he's tossed a scoreless first inning in both of his two starts thus far. Yes, it's a small sample size, but it's also a good sign for a pitcher who posted a 12-4 NRFI record last season (75%).
Taking on the Brew Crew on the road isn't ideal. However, Milwaukee is batting just .200 at home in the opening frame in 2026, which ranks 28th in the Majors. That includes only a .176 first-inning batting average at home over the past three weeks. Canning could run into trouble later in the game, but all we need is for him to get through the first frame unscathed.
Pick: NRFI (-130)