MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (6/18)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings along a decent nine-game slate with 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 FanDuel Sportsbook)
Cleveland Guardians vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Starting Pitchers: Parker Messick vs. Shane Drohan
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with an afternoon matchup between the Guardians and Brewers. The game features Parker Messick starting for Cleveland, while Shane Drohan toes the rubber for Milwaukee. Count on both pitchers to combine for the NRFI.
Messick's All-Star season continues for the Guardians. The left-hander boasts a 2.68 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 14 starts this season. More notably, he owns a perfect 14-0 NRFI record thus far. He's also allowed just a .106 batting average and a .192 on-base percentage (OBP) in the first inning.
Admittedly, the Brewers have one of the best first-inning offenses in the Majors. It's definitely a tough matchup for any opposing pitcher to get through the opening frame unscathed. However, Messick's track record of dominating right out of the gate is impossible to ignore.
On the other side, Drohan is the bigger wild card. The rookie has a 3.59 ERA this year, and he only recently entered the Brewers' rotation. Over his last three starts, the southpaw has a shaky 5.28 ERA as well.
Yet, the matchup is a favorable one. The Guardians have a league-low .100 batting average and .174 wOBA in the first inning during June. They also rank last in the Majors in first-inning runs scored over the last month. Overall, Cleveland ranks 23rd in runs in the opening frame this season. It also helps that Drohan has a 3-1 NRFI mark as a starter this year.
Pick: NRFI (-136)
Baltimore Orioles vs. Seattle Mariners
Starting Pitchers: Shane Baz vs. Bryan Woo
Our second NRFI pick today features the Mariners hosting the Orioles on Thursday afternoon. It'll be Shane Baz on the bump for Baltimore, while Bryan Woo starts for Seattle. The NRFI is firmly in play based on some key stats and trends in this one.
Woo isn't having as strong a season as his 2025 or 2024 campaigns. His current 4.28 ERA definitely leaves a lot to be desired. However, all we need is the Mariners' right-hander to get through the first inning. That's an area where he's excelling.
Woo has tossed a scoreless first inning in 12 out of 14 starts. That includes a 5-1 NRFI mark at home, where he also owns a 2.37 ERA this year. Woo also posted an 11-3 NRFI record at home last season, and he has a career 29-8 NRFI record (78%) when pitching in Seattle. Baltimore has a dangerous first-inning offense, but Woo's trends can be trusted.
On the other side, Baz is also having a shaky season with a 4.06 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Even so, there's upside for him to toss a scoreless opening frame today. The Mariners rank 25th in the Majors in home first-inning batting average. Plus, over the past two weeks, Seattle has been hitting just .186 in the opening frame.
Baz has a subpar 8-6 NRFI record this year. However, he's been better on the road (5-3 NRFI mark). He also posted an impressive 13-2 NRFI record on the road last season. Plus, in his career, Baz has a 27-9 NRFI road record (75%).
Pick: NRFI (-128)