The 2026 MLB season continues on Wednesday with all 30 teams in action. Several compelling games are scheduled, including a National League collision between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. A showdown between the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox 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)
Detroit Tigers (-102) at Chicago Cubs (-116)
Starting Pitchers: Keider Montero vs. Colin Rea
A series victory will be on the line when the Tigers and Cubs clash at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. Detroit will hand the ball to Keider Montero (6-5, 3.22 ERA), while Chicago counters with Colin Rea (7-6, 4.74 ERA). Take note that these are two of just 12 squads with NRFI cash rates above 50 percent this campaign. There have been zeroes on the scoreboard at the end of the first inning in 58 of Chicago’s 101 games and in 54 of Detroit’s 101 games.
It’s been home, sweet home for Rea in 2026. The veteran right-hander has logged a respectable 2.94 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across nine appearances at Wrigley Field. Five of his eight starts in that span kicked off with a clean first inning. Detroit’s offense has been great during the opening frame, but keep in mind it checks in 23rd in runs per road contest (4.14). Back Rea to get the job done in front of the Cubbies faithful.
There’s no doubt about it. The first inning is where Montero shines. The Venezuelan hurler has escaped the first inning unscathed in a ridiculous 37 of his 43 career starts. Expect that success to continue in a stadium that ranks 27th in Statcast’s offensive park factors. After all, the Cubs have recorded the league’s fourth-lowest OPS (.688) and fifth-lowest home run total (12) in the first inning. This is a stellar matchup for Montero.
Pick: NRFI (-122)
Minnesota Twins (+106) at Cleveland Guardians (-124)
Starting Pitchers: Bailey Ober vs. Slade Cecconi
It’s a tight race in the American League Central, making Wednesday’s duel between the Twins and Guardians one to watch. Minnesota’s Bailey Ober (7-3, 4.32 ERA) and Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi (4-6, 4.55 ERA) will toe the rubber. Progressive Field has been kind to both of these pitchers. Ober has thrown a scoreless first inning in six of his seven career starts at the Cleveland venue, while Ceconni has done so in 16 of his 19 career starts there.
The key for Cecconi is getting ahead. The former Miami Hurricane has allowed a .204/.216/.292 slash line with only one home run when in a pitcher’s count this year. Meanwhile, the Twins have hit the second-fewest homers in the Majors when behind in the count (19). Taking away the long ball gives Cecconi a great chance at tossing a unblemished opening frame. It’s a feat he has accomplished in eight of his previous 10 starts.
Ober battled the Guardians on July 9th and had no trouble setting them down in order to begin the game. That’s been the case for opposing starters facing Cleveland all season. The Guardians have posted the third-lowest first-inning on-base percentage (.287) and have failed to score in 50 of their 67 first innings versus a right-hander. Don’t expect a reversal of fortune against Ober, who has limited Cleveland’s roster to a .204/.228/.327 slash line in 98 at-bats.
Pick: NRFI (-120)
