The 2026 MLB season rolls on as we’re into September. Thursday brings us 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.
Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Miami Marlins vs. Kansas City Royals
Starting Pitchers: Sandy Alcantara vs. Michael Wacha
Let's lead off our MLB NRFI picks with the Royals hosting the Marlins. We have Sandy Alcantara starting for Miami, while Michael toes the rubber for Kansas City. Both veteran pitchers should combine to cash the NRFI based on key stats and trends.
Sandy Alcantara boasts an excellent 25-4 NRFI record this season (86%). He's tossed 13 straight scoreless first innings as well. Plus, the Marlins' right-hander brings in a 14-2 NRFI mark on the road so far.
Kansas City does have one of the best first-inning offenses in the league this year. However, Alcantara can be trusted to hold down the opening frame. He owns a career 76% NRFI rate and comes in on a roll, with a 1.76 ERA over his past seven starts.
On the other side, Michael Wacha has encouraging numbers as well. The Royals' righty has a 22-5 NRFI record this year (81%), including an 11-2 mark in his last 13 starts. This first-inning success is nothing new for Wacha, who had a 27-4 NRFI record last season (87%) and a 22-7 mark in 2024 (76%).
Wacha will take on a Miami offense that's hitting just .184 in the first inning over the past month, ranking third-worst in the majors. Plus, the Marlins are 26th in the league in first-inning runs scored overall this year. It also helps that Kansas City's starter is pitching well recently, posting a 2.28 ERA over eight starts since the All-Star Break.
Pick: NRFI (-104)
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting Pitchers: Quinn Mathews vs. Tarik Skubal
Our second NRFI pick today features the Cardinals taking on the Dodgers in a late-night matchup. It'll be Quinn Mathews on the mound for St. Louis, while Tarik Skubal starts for Los Angeles. The NRFI is the play here with the numbers pointing in that direction.
Quinn Mathews has made just four starts for the Cardinals in his rookie season. He owns a 3-1 NRFI record in those outings. The small sample size obviously can't be trusted at face value. However, it's actually a favorable first-inning matchup for the young left-hander.
The Dodgers have struggled mightily to score runs in the opening frame lately. They're hitting just .184 in the first inning over the past month, which ranks 29th in the majors during this stretch. Yes, that was before Los Angeles plated three runs to begin last night's game. Still, the overall issues in the first inning are tough to ignore.
Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal is more trustworthy in the first inning. His 14-7 NRFI record this year isn't ideal, but he's tossed a scoreless opening frame in eight of his last 10 starts coming into this one. Skubal also has the track record. He's posted NRFI rates of 87% and 77% in the past two seasons.
The Dodgers' left-hander is also pitching well lately. He owns a 2.47 ERA and 1.74 FIP over his last eight starts. Skubal will face a St. Louis offense that has a poor .194 first-inning batting average over the last month. The Cardinals also have a 31.8% strikeout rate in this span against left-handed pitching.
Pick: NRFI (-140)
