MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (6/24)
The 2026 MLB season continues on Wednesday with all 30 teams in action. Several compelling games are scheduled, including a National League doubleheader between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. A showdown between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will surely draw attention on the American League side. Sports bettors wanting to get in on the action without sweating through an entire nine-inning contest can turn to MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks for a quick result. Here's a look at two picks that stick out from the rest on this week's hump day.
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Wednesday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Kansas City Royals (+124) at Tampa Bay Rays (-146)
Starting Pitchers: Noah Cameron vs. Griffin Jax
The Royals aim to secure a road series victory when they battle the Rays on Wednesday. Kansas City’s Noah Cameron (4-4, 4.20 ERA) and Tampa Bay’s Griffin Jax (2-5, 3.67 ERA) will toe the rubber.
Take note that these are two of only five squads in the American League with an NRFI cash rate of at least 50%. The first inning has ended with zeroes on the scoreboard in 39 of the Rays’ 76 games and in 40 of the Royals’ 80 games.
Opening frames are where Jax shines. The reliever-turned-starter has escaped the first inning unscathed in 22 of his 26 career starts. Not only that, but Jax has held opposing batters to a .202/.240/.298 slash line in that span.
This Kansas City roster has one extra-base hit in 41 at-bats versus Jax and has recorded the sport’s sixth-lowest OPS in away contests (.674). Expect Jax’s success to continue at Tropicana Field.
The Rays’ offense has sputtered after a hot start to 2026. Tampa Bay has tallied the second-fewest home runs (22) and produced the third-fewest runs (97) over the past 30 days. That regression puts Cameron in a great spot.
The Royals right-hander has kept his opponent from crossing home plate in the first inning in 28 of his 38 career starts and has posted a top-50 walk rate among MLB arms this campaign (5.9%). Limiting free passes provides a boost from an NRFI perspective.
Pick: NRFI (-136)
Seattle Mariners (-104) at Pittsburgh Pirates (-112)
Starting Pitchers: Bryan Woo vs. Braxton Ashcraft
The Pirates will strive to bounce back from Tuesday’s 3-2 loss when they host the Mariners on Wednesday. Pittsburgh turns to Braxton Ashcraft (6-3, 3.18 ERA) on the mound, while Seattle counters with Bryan Woo (6-5, 3.94 ERA).
These arms have been cash cows in the NRFI department. Woo enters amidst a streak of eight straight scoreless first innings. Ashcraft has tossed a clean first inning in each of his 12 career starts at PNC Park.
To dive even deeper, Ashcraft has surrendered just one extra-base hit across 23 opening frames since his MLB debut in 2025. It was a double off the bat of Atlanta’s two-time Silver Slugger Austin Riley.
The Mariners have clear star power at the top of their lineup. However, they have logged the fewest hits with runners in scoring position this year (129). That’s a shortcoming Ashcraft can take advantage of with his versatile five-pitch mix.
It’s worth pointing out that Woo isn’t simply exploiting favorable matchups. The Seattle stud has faced a top-10 scoring offense in four of the eight contests during his NRFI streak.
The Pirates are another tough draw, though there is a glaring weakness Woo can capitalize on. Pittsburgh has racked up the third-most first-inning strikeouts in the Majors (95). Woo’s pinpoint command and stellar 34.6% chase rate will come in handy here.
Pick: NRFI (-128)