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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Saturday (4/19)

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Saturday brings along another full MLB slate of games as we dive into the top No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks and predictions.

If you're unfamiliar with NRFI bets, it's pretty simple. We're betting on whether or not any runs will be scored in the first inning by either team. Both starting pitchers have to pitch a scoreless first inning for the bet to cash. 

For Saturday, we have two picks featuring the Reds vs. Orioles and the Guardians vs. Pirates matchups. Without further ado, let's get to my favorite NRFI plays for Saturday, April 19th. 

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Saturday's Best MLB No Runs First Innings (NRFI) Picks

(All odds courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook)

Cincinnati Reds at Baltimore Orioles

Starting Pitchers: Hunter Greene vs. Brandon Young

After his breakout season last year, Hunter Greene has been exceptional so far this season. The Cincinnati Reds ace has a 0.98 ERA and 0.58 WHIP over his first four starts with a 31:4 K:BB ratio through 27.2 innings. He's quickly emerged as a top National League Cy Young contender while setting the tone in the first inning. 

Greene has yet to allow a first-inning run across his four starts, with only one hit allowed in 15 plate appearances. This continues a dominant trend. Greene had a 22-4 NRFI record last year with a .174 batting average allowed in the first inning. In 2023, he posted an elite 20-2 NRFI mark with a .017 batting average and 0.41 ERA in his opening frames. 

Even on the road in a hitter-friendly ballpark, Greene should get the job done once again. The Cincinnati right-hander had a 2.05 ERA on the road last season. He also tossed a scoreless first inning in all 11 road starts. 

Meanwhile, Brandon Young will make his MLB debut for the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander has a 2.76 ERA in three Triple-A starts this year. He offers some upside, notching a 28.5% strikeout rate and 3.14 FIP in the Minors last season. 

It's always tough trusting a rookie making his first start, but the matchup favors Young here. The Reds are one of the worst first-inning offenses with a .182 batting average (26th in MLB), .273 wOBA (25th) and 31.5% strikeout rate (29th) in their opening frames. Cincy also has a 6-1 NRFI record on the road this year. 

Pick: NRFI (-110)

Cleveland Guardians at Pittsburgh Pirates

Starting Pitchers: Ben Lively vs. Paul Skenes

If Paul Skenes is on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the NRFI is immediately in play. We'll get to the other starting pitcher in this game soon. Skenes starting means a scoreless first inning is firmly in play. 

In 2024, the National League Rookie of the Year posted an 18-5 NRFI record with a 1.96 ERA and .220 batting average allowed in the first inning. So far this season, Skenes has tossed a scoreless first inning in all four starts. He's also allowed only one first-inning baserunner across 14 plate appearances. 

Skenes should anchor the NRFI at home today. He boasts a 2.96 ERA and 0.74 WHIP with a 26:3 K:BB ratio over 24.1 innings. The Pirates ace had a 9-3 NRFI record at home last year as well. 

On the other side, Cleveland Guardians starter Ben Lively is more of a wild card. However, multiple key stats and trends point to him matching Skenes with zero runs allowed in the opening frame. First off, the Pirates are arguably the league's worst first-inning offense with a .149 batting average (29th), .234 wOBA (28th) and four total runs scored (29th) in the first frame. 

Lively has not allowed a first-inning run through his first four starts this season. He's also held opposing hitters to a .194 batting average the first time through the order. Last year, Lively posted a dominant 25-4 NRFI record with a 1.24 ERA and .193 batting average allowed in his first innings. 

Pick: NRFI (-125)

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