MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (7/2)
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 score 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)
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Starting Pitchers: Chase Burns vs. Jacob Misiorowski
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with a National League Central matchup between the Reds and Brewers. We have two of the best young pitchers in the league facing off today. Chase Burns starts for Cincinnati, while Jacob Misiorowski toes the rubber for Milwaukee. If you couldn't guess, we're locking in the NRFI.
Misiorowski has been downright dominant for the Brewers this season. His 1.45 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 146 strikeouts all rank first in the Majors among qualified starters. Milwaukee's ace has also been lights-out lately, boasting an elite 0.54 ERA over his last 10 outings.
The Brewers hurler has had plenty of first-inning success as well. He owns a 14-2 NRFI record this season while allowing just a .075 batting average in the opening frame. The right-hander is averaging nearly two strikeouts per first inning so far, too. Misiorowski now takes on a Reds lineup batting .189 in the first inning over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, Burns also brings in stellar numbers for Cincinnati. The righty has a 2.36 ERA and 1.08 WHIP this season. His 30.5% strikeout rate (93rd MLB percentile) and .203 xBA (88th percentile) are excellent as well. Plus, Burns has held opponents scoreless in the first inning in 15 of his 16 starts thus far, while allowing a minuscule .167 batting average in the frame.
The Brewers have a strong first-inning offense overall this season, but it's been a different story recently. Over the past two weeks, Milwaukee is batting just .128 in the first frame, which ranks 29th in the Majors. Burns should get through the inning unscathed, especially considering his perfect 8-0 NRFI mark on the road.
Pick: NRFI (-164)
Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Starting Pitchers: Davis Martin vs. Slade Cecconi
Our second NRFI pick today features an American League Central clash between the White Sox and Guardians. We have Davis Martin on the mound for Chicago, while Slade Cecconi starts for Cleveland. The NRFI is the play based on multiple key stats and trends.
Martin has had a couple of rough outings lately, but he still owns a 3.00 ERA and 1.18 WHIP for the White Sox this year. More notably, the right-hander has held opponents scoreless in the first inning in 14 of his 16 starts so far. He's also allowed just a .161 batting average in the opening frame.
Facing a division rival on the road is a tough task, but Martin can at least get through the first inning. He's posted an 8-1 NRFI record on the road this season, and he boasts a career 24-9 NRFI record (73%) in road starts. The Guardians, meanwhile, have a league-low .179 batting average and a league-high 38.9% strikeout rate in the first inning over the last month.
On the other side, Cecconi has been much more effective and consistent following a shaky start to the campaign. The Guardians righty owns an impressive 2.55 ERA over his last nine starts and a 1.88 ERA over his past five outings. His 3.26 ERA at home also bodes well for this home matchup against Chicago.
Cecconi has some promising NRFI trends, too. He's posted a 12-5 NRFI record this season, including 5-1 at home. The Cleveland starter also had a 19-4 NRFI record last season (82%) and has a career NRFI rate of 81%.
The Guardians pitcher boasts a 21-4 NRFI record at home in his career. He'll face a White Sox offense that has a .188 batting average in the first inning over the last month, which ranks 29th in the Majors.
Pick: NRFI (-102)