The 2026 MLB season continues on Wednesday with all 30 teams in action. Several compelling games are scheduled, including a cross-town collision between the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs. A divisional showdown between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays 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 NRFI 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 DraftKings Sportsbook)
San Francisco Giants (+153) at Cleveland Guardians (-186)
Starting Pitchers: Matt Wilkinson vs. Parker Messick
The Guardians will aim to gain ground in the American League Central race when they host the Giants on Wednesday. Parker Messick (9-7, 2.59 ERA) toes the rubber for Cleveland, while Matt Wilkinson makes his MLB debut for San Francisco.
These squads each boast top-six NRFI cash rates in 2026. There have been zeroes on the scoreboard at the end of the first inning in 73 of the Guardians’ 126 games (58%) and 67 of the Giants’ 125 games (54%).
Messick’s dominance in the opening frame warrants closer inspection. The 25-year-old has escaped the first inning unscathed in 22 of his 24 starts, posting the second-lowest ERA among starting pitchers (0.75).
Opposing batters are slashing .111/.182/.198 in 88 plate appearances across those 24 innings. Trust Messick to remain in control against a San Francisco roster that has tallied the second-fewest first-inning runs in the league (47).
This is a matchup Wilkinson can exploit with the swing-and-miss skillset he displayed at the Triple-A level. The Guardians have recorded the fourth-lowest OPS versus left-handed pitching (.672) and the second-lowest OPS with runners in scoring position (.674).
Take note that Wilkinson was the main player Cleveland sent to San Francisco in the Patrick Bailey trade last May. Expect him to be a bit more amped facing his former organization.
Pick: NRFI (-145)
San Diego Padres (-136) at New York Mets (+113)
Starting Pitchers: Michael King vs. Robert Stock
A series victory is on the line when the Padres and Mets meet at Citi Field on Wednesday. San Diego’s Michael King (8-8, 3.41 ERA) draws the nod, opposite New York’s Robert Stock (0-2, 6.57 ERA).
Bettors have been successful targeting NRFIs when the Padres are away from Petco Park. After all, there’s been a scoreless first inning in 40 of San Diego’s 64 road contests (63%). That’s the second-highest NRFI cash rate in baseball.
A poor first-inning offense is why San Diego is a frequent flyer in this article. Manager Craig Stammen’s team ranks 30th in OPS (.653), 28th in runs scored (51) and 27th in home runs (13) during the opening frame of this campaign.
Stock has been reliable through two home starts, allowing only one earned run over 9.1 innings. Both outings began with a clean first inning. Bank on him shutting down a slow-starting Padres lineup.
The case for backing King is similar to the case for backing Parker Messick. The veteran right-hander has been powerful early in games, keeping his opponent from producing a first-inning run in 22 of his 25 starts this year.
King is also one of just nine qualified pitchers to surrender fewer than two home runs in the first inning. Anticipate more triumph on the way for King, considering the Mets sport the third-lowest first-inning on-base percentage (.297) in the Majors.
Pick: NRFI (-115)
