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.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
Starting Pitchers: Gerrit Cole vs. Kyle Bradish
Let's lead our MLB NRFI picks with the Orioles hosting the Yankees. We have Gerrit Cole starting for New York, while Kyle Bradish toes the rubber for Baltimore. Both pitchers bring in strong first-inning numbers we can trust in this American League East rivalry matchup.
Cole boasts a 12-3 NRFI record (80%) this season. He's also held opposing hitters to a .122 batting average and .186 on-base percentage (OBP) in the first inning. This continues a trend for the veteran right-hander. Cole owns an impressive 79.5% NRFI rate over his past four seasons combined. That includes a 40-8 NRFI record (83%) on the road during this stretch.
Plus, the Yankees starter is pitching very well lately. Cole has a 1.46 ERA over his last four starts and a 2.57 ERA over his past eight outings. He now takes on a Baltimore lineup sporting just a .207 first-inning batting average in August. The Orioles also rank 27th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored at home this year.
On the other side, Bradish should survive the first inning as well. The Baltimore right-hander brings in an elite 21-2 NRFI record this season (91%). That includes a .188 batting average allowed in the opening frame and a 9-1 NRFI mark at home.
Bradish now boasts a dominant 60-7 NRFI record (89%) since the start of the 2023 season. He's also tossed a scoreless first inning in 27 out of 30 home starts during this span. The Orioles starter will face a Yankees offense that has a league-low .064 first-inning batting average in August. Their .209 average in the frame overall this year is also dead last in the Majors.
Pick: NRFI (-128)
San Francisco Giants vs. Cleveland Guardians
Starting Pitchers: Landen Roupp vs. Gavin Williams
Our second NRFI pick today features an Interleague matchup between the Giants and Guardians. It'll be Landen Roupp on the mound for San Francisco, while Gavin Williams starts for Cleveland. The NRFI is the way to go based on some key stats and trends.
Williams has a 19-6 NRFI record this year (76%), including a 12-1 mark at home. He's allowing just a .198 batting average in the opening frame as well. The Guardians right-hander posted a solid 23-8 NRFI mark last year (74%), and he owns a career 75% NRFI rate as a starter.
It also helps that Williams is pitching well lately, with a 2.73 ERA and 2.61 FIP over his last five starts. Meanwhile, the Giants rank 29th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored this season. Plus, they're batting just .157 in the first inning this month, which ranks 28th in the league.
As for Roupp, he boasts an impressive 19-4 NRFI record this season (83%) while allowing only a .146 batting average in the opening frame. The San Francisco right-hander also brings in a career 75.5% NRFI rate. Cleveland has an above-average first-inning offense, but Roupp's NRFI numbers are worth trusting.
Pick: NRFI (-142)
