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.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
Starting Pitchers: Cam Schlittler vs. Connelly Early
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with an American League East rivalry matchup between the Yankees and Red Sox. We have Cam Schlittler starting for New York, while Connelly Early toes the rubber for Boston. Count on both pitchers to anchor the NRFI.
Schlittler continues to post Cy Young-caliber numbers. The Yankees right-hander boasts a 1.71 ERA and 0.89 WHIP through 16 starts. He also owns a 2.13 FIP with a 29.5% strikeout rate (91st percentile) and 4.9% walk rate (96th) this year.
Schlittler's dominance usually gets going early, too. He's tossed a scoreless first inning in 15 out of 16 starts this season, while allowing just a .164 batting average in the frame. Now he'll face a Red Sox offense ranked last in the majors in first-inning runs scored. The Boston lineup is batting a league-worst .143 in the opening frame over the past three weeks as well.
On the other side, Early has endured an up-and-down season with a 3.64 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. His 8-7 NRFI record this season isn't very encouraging, either. However, the Boston left-hander has a few stats in his favor here.
Early owns a 7-2 NRFI record at home in his young career. He's also posted a career 28.9% strikeout rate in the first inning when pitching in Boston. Plus, the Yankees are hitting just .200 in the opening frame over the past three weeks, while ranking 25th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored during this stretch.
Pick: NRFI (-125)
Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants
Starting Pitchers: Jeffrey Springs vs. Landen Roupp
Our second NRFI pick today features a Bay Area clash between the Athletics and Giants. It'll be Jeffrey Springs on the mound for the A's, while Landen Roupp starts for San Francisco. The NRFI is firmly in play based on some key stats and trends in this one.
The 5.55 ERA this season for Springs is tough to ignore. However, we only need him to get through the opening frame. On that note, the Giants’ offense ranks 28th in the league in first-inning runs scored this year. They also sport a poor .167 batting average in the first frame over the past two weeks, which ranks 27th in the Majors.
Springs, meanwhile, has posted a 5-1 NRFI record on the road this season. This continues a trend from last season, when he had a 12-4 NRFI mark in road starts. The southpaw also owns a career 78% NRFI rate on the road.
The other side of this matchup features Roupp's 4.15 ERA. Again, that's not too appealing. Yet, the San Francisco right-hander has tossed a scoreless opening frame in 12 of his 15 starts so far. He's also allowing just a .137 batting average in the first inning.
The Athletics boast a strong first-inning offense overall, but the lineup struggles more on the road. The A's are batting just .210 in the first inning on the road this season. They also sport a 32.9% strikeout rate in the frame in road games, which ranks 29th in the Majors. Meanwhile, Roupp owns a 77% NRFI rate at home in his career.
Pick: NRFI (-120)
