MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (6/4)
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)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Starting Pitchers: Justin Wrobleski vs. Ryne Nelson
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with a divisional matchup between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. We have Justin Wrobleski on the mound for Los Angeles, while Ryne Nelson starts for Arizona. Both pitchers bring in trustworthy first-inning trends and stats.
Wrobleski has been excellent for the Dodgers, with a 2.87 ERA and 1.01 WHIP thus far. He's allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his nine starts. The left-hander has a decent 6-3 NRFI record as a starter this season. Notably, he's now tossed a scoreless opening frame in 13 out of 17 career starts (77%).
Facing Arizona on the road is definitely a tough task for Wrobleski. However, the Diamondbacks have a league-low .176 wOBA in the first inning over the past two weeks. They're also batting .150 in the opening frame over this stretch, which ranks 29th in the Majors. There's value in Wrobleski getting through the first three outs unscathed.
On the other side, Nelson has a shaky 4.82 ERA for Arizona this season. That's not ideal, but he also brings in a strong 10-2 NRFI record over 12 starts. This continues an impressive trend for the right-hander. He tossed a scoreless first inning in 19 out of 23 starts last season (83%), and he posted a 21-4 NRFI mark two seasons ago (84%).
Over the past three seasons combined, Nelson owns a 50-10 NRFI record for a 83% hit rate. Though the Dodgers' top of the order is obviously dangerous, all we need is Arizona's starter to survive the first inning. He's proven he can consistently do just that.
Pick: NRFI (-110)
San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Starting Pitchers: Lucas Giolito vs. Zack Wheeler
Our second NRFI pick today features the Phillies hosting the Padres in an early afternoon matchup. It'll be Zack Wheeler starting for Philadelphia, while Lucas Giolito toes the rubber for San Diego. Let's back both pitchers to cash the NRFI.
Wheeler is putting together another strong season. He owns a 2.27 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over seven starts. The right-hander has posted a 5-2 NRFI record, with just a .125 batting average and .160 on-base percentage (OBP) allowed in the first inning.
In addition to being an overall ace, Wheeler's dominance usually gets going early. He had a 19-5 NRFI record last season (79%) and a 28-4 NRFI mark two seasons ago (88%). Plus, Wheeler's been elite in the opening frame at home. He owns an elite 71-8 NRFI record at home with the Phillies (90%).
If you need any more convincing, consider the favorable matchup. The Padres rank last in the Majors in first-inning runs scored (15), batting average (.164) and wOBA (.248) this season. We should feel very confident in Wheeler beginning this game with a scoreless frame.
The bigger wild card to the NRFI equation is Giolito against the Philies' top of the lineup. The Padres starter has a 4.97 ERA over his first three starts this season. The veteran has struggled in each outing as well. Still, we just need him to survive the first inning.
On that note, Philadelphia has a league-worst .147 batting average in the opening frame over the past two weeks. They are also last in the Majors in first-inning runs scored during this stretch. Giolito had a solid 19-7 NRFI record last season (73%), including 11-3 on the road. He has a 2-1 NRFI record so far this season and can do enough to keep things quiet early on.
Pick: NRFI (-115)