MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (9/16)
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 Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. A divisional showdown between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians will surely draw attention in the American League. 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 are 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 FanDuel Sportsbook)
Miami Marlins (+108) at Arizona Diamondbacks (-126)
Starting Pitchers: Ryan Gusto vs. Merrill Kelly
The Diamondbacks will aim to make up ground in the National League Wild Card race when they host the Marlins on Wednesday. Arizona’s Merrill Kelly (9-13, 4.97 ERA) and Miami’s Ryan Gusto (1-5, 4.14 ERA) will toe the rubber. The Marlins have been a frequent flyer in NRFI articles for a reason. There have been zeroes on the scoreboard at the end of the first inning in 88 of Miami’s 152 games (58%). That’s the second-highest NRFI cash rate in baseball.
This campaign has had mixed results for Kelly. The veteran right-hander has found a groove, though, throwing a clean first inning in nine of his last 10 starts. Allowing a .188 batting average with two outs and runners in scoring position has helped him wiggle out of trouble. Take note that Miami has recorded the league’s lowest OPS (.680) and second-lowest home run total (14) during the first inning. Bank on Kelly getting the job done.
The Marlins aren’t the only lackluster offense playing at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks rank 24th in first-inning OPS (.712) and 28th in first-inning home runs (17). Overall, Arizona has not produced a run in 79 of its 112 opening frames facing a right-hander (71%). Gusto has escaped the first inning unscathed in five of his six road starts and shut the Diamondbacks down in the first inning when he battled them in June. Expect the same result this time around.
Pick: NRFI (-102)
Milwaukee Brewers (-136) at Pittsburgh Pirates (+116)
Starting Pitchers: Logan Henderson vs. Jared Jones
The Brewers will strive to solidify their hold on the National League’s No. 1 seed when they visit the Pirates on Wednesday. Milwaukee will hand the ball to Logan Henderson (10-3, 2.34 ERA), while Pittsburgh counters with Jared Jones (4-6, 4.10 ERA). It’s worth pointing out that these divisional foes have met head-to-head on the diamond 11 times in 2026. Nine of those 11 matchups have featured a scoreless first inning.
The pros on the mound power the confidence in this pick. Henderson has not surrendered a first-inning run in any of his 11 career road starts and has limited baserunners with an excellent 4.6% walk rate this year. Jones has not conceded a first-inning run in 15 of his past 18 starts and has used an elite 28% strikeout rate to log efficient outings. Both right-handers have proven they can be trusted in the NRFI department.
There’s no denying these offenses have been great this season. However, that doesn’t mean there are no weaknesses to exploit. The Pirates have posted the lowest OPS since the All-Star break (.661) and the highest whiff rate (27.4%) in the National League. The Brewers have registered the seventh-lowest OPS in the Majors when behind in the count (.493). Back Henderson and Jones to work ahead of hitters and stay in the strike zone.
Pick: NRFI (-140)