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)
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins
Starting Pitchers: Merrill Kelly vs. Tyler Phillips
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with an afternoon matchup between the Marlins and the Diamondbacks. Merrill Kelly starts for Arizona, while Tyler Phillips toes the rubber for Miami. While this pitching matchup doesn't exactly scream NRFI, there's value on that pick for a few reasons.
Arizona has arguably been the worst first-inning offense in the majors over the past two weeks. In this stretch, the Diamondbacks are batting a league-low .125 with a .203 wOBA (also last) in the opening frame. Plus, they rank just 24th in first-inning runs scored overall this season.
It sets up well for Tyler Phillips, who will get the traditional start today after previously coming out of the bullpen. In his two prior starts this year, the Miami right-hander tossed a scoreless first inning both times. Plus, Phillips brings in an impressive 2.08 ERA across 43.1 innings so far this season.
As for Merrill Kelly, it's been an up-and-down campaign for the veteran. He has a 5.71 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 10 starts. His 6-4 NRFI record so far isn't great, either. However, Kelly has completed a scoreless opening frame in four of five road starts this year. He also recently put up a 2.36 ERA in a five-start stretch in May.
There's some upside in this matchup, anyway. The Marlins have also struggled in the first inning lately. Over the past three weeks, Miami has been hitting .180 with a .233 wOBA in the frame, which both rank 28th in the MLB during this span. The offense is also just 26th in first-inning runs over the last month of games.
Pick: NRFI (-110)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Starting Pitchers: Justin Wrobleski vs. Mitch Keller
Our second NRFI pick today features the Pirates hosting the Dodgers on Thursday night. It'll be Justin Wrobleski on the bump for Los Angeles, while Mitch Keller starts for Pittsburgh. Let's go the other direction and back the YRFI for this play.
Both of these offenses are among the best in the majors at producing in the first inning. The Pirates have a league-high .379 wOBA in the opening frame and rank fourth overall in first-inning runs scored this season. They also boast a .424 wOBA and .315 batting average in the first at home, which both lead the majors as well.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are sixth in first-inning runs scored this year. They also come in with a .429 wOBA in the opening frame over the past month, which is tops in the MLB. In the past two weeks, the LAD lineup has been hitting .321 with a .453 wOBA in the first inning.
These are tough matchups for both pitchers to get through unscathed. Wrobleski owns a solid 7-3 NRFI record this year, though he's just 3-3 in road starts. In one of his recent road outings, the left-hander gave up four runs to the Diamondbacks in the first inning. The Dodgers' lefty also has a shaky 4.13 ERA over his last five starts overall.
As for Keller, he brings in an impressive 11-2 NRFI record this season. He also posted a 24-8 NRFI mark last year (75%). However, we can fade the Pirates' starter against the dangerous top of the Dodgers' order today. Keller could run into trouble early, considering his rough 8.31 ERA over his last five outings.
Pick: YRFI (-125)
