MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/13)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on as we head deeper into August. Thursday brings a nine-game slate, with games running all afternoon and into the night. 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) side. 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)
Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees
Starting Pitchers: Logan Gilbert vs. Max Fried
Let's lead off our MLB NRFI picks with the Yankees hosting the Mariners on Thursday afternoon. We have Logan Gilbert starting for Seattle, while Max Fried toes the rubber for New York. Multiple trends and stats point to a scoreless first inning between these American League Wild Card contenders.
Fried brings in a 2.88 ERA and 0.97 WHIP into this outing. The Yankees southpaw also owns a 1.83 ERA over four starts since returning from the injured list (IL). He has a decent 10-4 NRFI record so far (71%), but some positive regression could be coming. Fried posted a 24-8 NRFI mark last season (75%) and a 23-6 NRFI record in 2024 (79%). He also boasts a career 77% NRFI rate.
Fried gets a favorable situation to hold Seattle scoreless early. The Mariners enter with a league-worst .207 first-inning batting average this season, and they rank 27th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored. Since the All-Star break, the offense is hitting just .165 in the opening frame as well (27th in MLB).
On the other side, Gilbert has a 3.42 ERA and 1.00 WHIP this year. His 13-10 NRFI record isn't exactly trustworthy. However, the Seattle right-hander owns an 8-3 NRFI mark in day games this season. He's also pitched to a 2.50 ERA on the road.
More notably, the first-inning matchup is ideal. The Yankees' .150 batting average and .213 wOBA in the first inning since the All-Star break are both league lows. Plus, overall this season, New York has just a .216 batting average in the opening frame (27th in MLB). It helps that Gilbert brings in a career 73% NRFI rate.
Pick: NRFI (-130)
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting Pitchers: Shane Drohan vs. Roki Sasaki
Our second NRFI pick today features a National League showdown between the Brewers and Dodgers. It'll be Roki Sasaki starting for Los Angeles, while Shane Drohan gets the ball for Milwaukee. The NRFI is the way to go based on some key stats and trends.
Sasaki has tossed a scoreless first inning in 17 of his 20 starts (85%). He's also held opponents to a .186 batting average in his opening frames. The Dodgers right-hander boasts a 9-1 NRFI record at home as well.
It also helps that Sasaki is pitching very well lately, posting a 1.88 ERA over four starts since the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Brewers are batting just .200 in the first inning during August thus far. They're also striking out at a 34.1% clip in the inning this month. That plays right into Sasaki's swing-and-miss ability.
On the other side, Drohan brings in a stellar 11-2 NRFI record this season (84%). That includes a 9-1 mark over the last 10 starts. The right-hander is also allowing just a .174 batting average in the first inning. Facing Los Angeles' potent top of the order is a tall task, but Drohan's consistent NRFI success is worth backing. The Dodgers are also hitting .202 in the first inning since the All-Star break.
Pick: NRFI (-120)