MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Thursday (8/27)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on as we head deeper into August. Thursday brings us a seven-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)
Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees
Starting Pitchers: Hayden Wesneski vs. Gerrit Cole
Let's lead off our MLB NRFI picks with the Yankees hosting the Astros. We have Gerrit Cole starting for New York, while Hayden Wesneski toes the rubber for Houston. Both pitchers should combine for a scoreless first inning, based on key stats and trends.
Cole boasts a 13-3 NRFI record (81%) so far this season. He's held opposing hitters to just a .132 batting average and .207 on-base percentage (OBP) in the first inning. Cole also brings in an impressive 79.9% NRFI rate over his past four seasons combined.
Admittedly, the Astros have one of the best first-inning offenses in the league. It's definitely risky betting the NRFI when Houston is involved. However, Cole's numbers in the opening frame can be trusted at home tonight.
On the other side, Wesneski has a 4-1 NRFI record. It's a small sample size, but still encouraging. It's also a good sign that the Astros starter has a solid 8-3 NRFI mark over his past two seasons combined.
More importantly, though, the first-inning matchup is very favorable. The Yankees are batting a league-low .209 in the opening frame this season. They've also failed to score a first-inning run in August thus far, with an ugly .104 batting average in the frame this month.
Pick: NRFI (-115)
Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Starting Pitchers: Noah Cameron vs. Spencer Arrighetti
Our second NRFI pick today features the Royals taking on the Blue Jays in an American League matchup. It'll be Noah Cameron on the mound for Kansas City, while Spencer Arrighetti is slated to start for Toronto. The NRFI is the way to go in this game.
Cameron has tossed a scoreless opening frame in 20 out of 24 starts this season (83%). He's allowing just a .159 first-inning batting average, too. Cameron put up a solid 71% NRFI rate last year as a starter. It also helps that the lefty is pitching very well lately, posting a 1.05 ERA over his last six outings.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s offense has a .207 batting average in the first inning during August. The Blue Jays also rank 28th in the Majors in first-inning runs scored this month. It's a favorable road spot for Cameron, especially with his current form and NRFI track record.
As for Arrighetti, he's slated to make his first start with Toronto after making a relief appearance last week. With the Astros before getting traded, the right-hander posted a 13-4 NRFI record (76%) while allowing just a .194 first-inning batting average.
The Royals have an average first-inning offense this month; Arrighetti can be trusted just enough. He has a 6-1 NRFI record at home this season, and he has a career 74% NRFI rate at home.
Pick: NRFI (-120)