The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings along a stacked 13-game slate with afternoon matchups and baseball all day long. 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)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds
Starting Pitchers: Jesus Luzardo vs. Brady Singer
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with the Reds hosting the Phillies in a National League clash. We have Jesus Luzardo starting for Philadelphia, while Brady Singer toes the rubber for Cincinnati. Both pitchers bring in solid NRFI trends.
Luzardo was recently named an All-Star replacement after pitching lights out lately. The Phillies left-hander boasts a 1.78 ERA over his last five starts and a 2.26 ERA over his last 10 outings. He also brings in a stellar 1.54 ERA on the road this season.
More importantly, Luzardo has been dominant from the get-go. He's tossed a scoreless first inning in 17 of his 18 starts this season, while allowing just a .129 batting average in the frame. He also owns a perfect 10-0 NRFI record on the road.
Tonight, Luzardo will face a Reds lineup that's batting a league-low .191 in the first inning against left-handers. Cincinnati also has a .218 first-inning batting average at home, the third-worst mark in the Majors.
On the other side, Brady Singer is a wild card. The Reds right-hander has struggled to a 5.03 ERA and 1.54 WHIP this season. His 8-9 NRFI record and 5.29 first-inning ERA don't offer much confidence, either. Plus, the Phillies boast an upper-tier offense in the opening frame.
Still, some stats back Singer to get through the first inning. He has a solid 6-2 NRFI record at home this season. This continues a trend from last season, when he posted a 14-2 home NRFI mark. Singer also had a 13-3 NRFI record at home in 2024, and he brings in a career 80% home NRFI rate. Plus, the Phillies ranks 22nd in the league in first-inning batting average on the road.
Pick: NRFI (+102)
Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Starting Pitchers: Bryce Elder vs. Mitch Keller
Our second NRFI pick today features a matinee matchup between the Braves and Pirates. It'll be Bryce Elder starting for Atlanta, and Mitch Keller on the mound for Pittsburgh. There's some value on the NRFI with these pitchers facing off.
Keller has struggled to a 5.02 ERA this season. The Pirates right-hander also has a rough 7.50 ERA over his last seven starts. That doesn't exactly instill confidence in backing him today. However, he's been effective in the first inning. It's all we care about for the NRFI.
Keller has a 14-4 NRFI record this season (78%). He also posted a 24-8 NRFI mark last season (75%). More notably, the Pittsburgh starter boasts strong home first-inning trends. He has a 9-1 NRFI record at home this season and 14-3 last year. Keller has an 81% NRFI rate at home over the past three seasons combined.
Meanwhile, Elder has a shaky 4.01 ERA for Atlanta. He's also had some poor outings lately, with an 8.70 ERA over his last six starts. Again, though, we just need the righty to get through the first inning unscathed.
On that note, Elder has tossed a scoreless opening frame in 13 of his 17 starts thus far. He also owns an impressive 21-4 NRFI record on the road over the past three seasons combined (84%). The Pirates boast a strong first-inning offense. Still, Elder's road NRFI numbers are enough to take a shot on in today's matinee matchup.
Pick: NRFI (+100)
