The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings along a smaller slate of games, but we still have some notable matchups on tap. Let’s dive into the top 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) as well. 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)
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
Starting Pitchers: Spencer Arrighetti vs. Nathan Eovaldi
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with a divisional matchup between the Astros and Rangers. We have Spencer Arrighetti on the mound for Houston, while Nathan Eovaldi starts for Texas. Both pitchers should combine for a scoreless opening frame.
Arrighetti has been excellent for the Astros, posting a 1.32 ERA over his first seven starts. It's also translated to first-inning success. He has a 6-1 NRFI record so far, with just a .192 batting average allowed in the frame. The right-hander also now owns an 11-3 NRFI mark over his past two seasons combined.
Count on Houston's starter to keep it going, at least to begin the game. The Rangers have a poor .171 first-inning batting average over the past two weeks, which ranks 28th in the Majors. They also rank 27th in first-inning runs scored at home this season. Plus, Arrighetti just tossed 7.1 scoreless innings against Texas two starts ago.
As for Eovaldi, he's pitched to a 3.65 ERA with up-and-down outings. He's been much better lately, though, with a 1.24 ERA over his last four starts. That includes seven scoreless innings against Houston earlier this month.
In terms of first-inning success, the Rangers' veteran has seen mixed results. He has just a 5-5 NRFI record over 10 starts with an ugly 8.10 ERA in his opening frames.
Last year, though, Eovaldi posted a stellar 19-3 NRFI mark with a 1.23 ERA in the first inning. He's also now tossed a scoreless first frame in 35 of his last 42 home outings (83%).
The Astros, admittedly, boast one of the better first-inning offenses in the league. Over the past week, though, Houston has struggled to a .150 batting average in the frame (26th). Those recent issues, combined with Eovaldi's proven NRFI success, should give us confidence.
Pick: NRFI (-125)
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Starting Pitchers: Colin Rea vs. Paul Skenes
Our second NRFI pick today features a National League Central matchup, with the Pirates hosting the Cubs. It'll be Paul Skenes starting for Pittsburgh, while Colin Rea toes the rubber for Chicago. Let's back both pitchers to help cash the NRFI.
Skenes is coming off back-to-back shaky starts. Yet, he still boasts a 2.28 ERA and 2.74 FIP over his last 10 outings. He's also posted a 7-3 NRFI record during this stretch. Plus, Skenes owns a 2.62 ERA across his six home starts this year. That includes a 4-2 NRFI mark in those outings.
Though he hasn't been as regularly dominant, Skenes' previous first-inning success is impossible to ignore. He posted an elite 30-2 NRFI record last season (94%) and an 18-5 NRFI mark in 2024 (78%).
Skenes has also tossed a scoreless opening frame in 27 of his 33 career home starts (82%). He'll now face a Cubs offense that ranks 28th in the Majors in both first-inning runs scored and batting average this year.
On the other side, the bigger wild card is Rea against the Pirates' top of the order. Pittsburgh has a top-five first-inning offense in terms of runs scored, batting average and wOBA this season. Rea also has a shaky 4.83 ERA this year with a career 64% NRFI rate as a starter.
There are some silver linings, though. The Cubs right-hander owns a 6-2 NRFI record in his eight starts this season, with a .207 batting average allowed in the opening frame. He's also tossed a scoreless first inning in all four road starts. Plus, Rea had a solid 19-8 NRFI mark last season (70%), including a 7-3 record on the road.
Pick: NRFI (-140)
