The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings along a smaller slate with just five games 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 also bet on the YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning). 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)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Starting Pitchers: Ian Seymour vs. Shane Bieber
Let's lead off our MLB NRFI picks with an American League East showdown as the Blue Jays host the Rays. It'll be Ian Seymour on the bump for Tampa Bay, while Shane Bieber starts for Toronto. Let's count on both pitchers to cash the NRFI today.
Ian Seymour's 4.79 ERA this year isn't too appealing. However, all we care about is the first inning. In that regard, the Rays left-hander owns a 6-1 NRFI record across his seven starts. He's also allowed just a .130 batting average and .200 on-base percentage in the opening frame. Plus, he has a career 9-3 NRFI record as a starter (75%).
It's a small sample size, but Seymour's NRFI success is tough to ignore. He gets a decent matchup here, too. The Blue Jays are batting just .213 against left-handers in the first inning, ranking 23rd in the Majors. They're also dead last in first-inning runs scored against southpaws.
On the other side, Shane Bieber brings in trustworthy first-inning numbers. The Toronto right-hander has a career 79% NRFI rate. That includes a 78% NRFI rate at home across his career. Furthermore, Bieber has an impressive 24-6 NRFI career record (80%) when pitching at home in day games.
The Rays boast one of the league's best first-inning offenses this season. However, Bieber's NRFI trends can be trusted in this spot. It also helps that he brings in a 23-7 NRFI record at home over his past four seasons.
Pick: NRFI (-105)
Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians
Starting Pitchers: Taj Bradley vs. Gavin Williams
Our second NRFI pick today features another divisional matchup between the Twins and Guardians. We have Taj Bradley starting for Minnesota, and Gavin Williams on the mound for Cleveland. There's some value on the NRFI in this American League Central clash.
Gavin Williams has tossed a scoreless first inning in 15 out of 20 starts this season (75%). He's also allowed just a .205 batting average in the opening frame. The Guardians right-hander boasts a 9-1 NRFI record and 2.93 xFIP at home so far. Plus, he brings in a career 33-10 home NRFI record (77%). Count on him to keep those trends going this afternoon.
On the other side, Taj Bradley is more of the wild card for our scoreless first inning. Minnesota's starter has a subpar 11-8 NRFI record this year. That includes a 4-7 NRFI mark on the road. His career 60% NRFI rate in road starts is also tough to trust.
In this matchup, though, Bradley can get through the opening frame. Cleveland ranks 25th in the Majors in both runs scored and batting average in the first inning. The Guardians are also 28th in first-inning OPS. Plus, for what it's worth, Bradley owns an impressive 33-9 NRFI record (79%) in day starts across his career.
Pick: NRFI (-125)
