MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks: Thursday (4/30)
The 2026 MLB season rolls on. Thursday brings a smaller slate of games, with action starting early and a slew of afternoon matchups. Let’s dive into some MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks to lock in before the games get going.
If you're unfamiliar with NRFI bets, here's a quick explanation: We're simply betting that neither team will score a run in the first inning. That means we have a 0-0 scoreline after both teams bat in the opening frame. Conversely, you can bet on the YRFI (Yes Runs First Inning). Without further ado, let's jump into the best MLB NRFI picks for Thursday, April 3oth.
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Thursday’s Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Starting Pitchers: Michael Soroka vs. Brandon Woodruff
Let's lead off today's NRFI picks with a matchup between Arizona and Milwaukee. We have Michael Soroka on the mound for the Diamondbacks, while Brandon Woodruff starts for the Brewers. Both pitchers can combine for a scoreless first inning on Thursday afternoon.
Soroka has a 4-1 NRFI record over his first five starts this season. It continues a trend from last season, when the right-hander tossed a scoreless opening frame in 14 of his 17 starts (82%). He also posted a 2.65 ERA with just a .169 batting average allowed in the first inning last season. Soroka has now thrown a scoreless first inning in 30 out of 37 starts over the past four seasons combined (81%).
Soroka also brings in a career 78% NRFI rate as a starter. Plus, he's started this season strong, with a 2.60 ERA over his five outings. We should trust Arizona's righty, even on the road. The Brewers are batting just .206 in the first inning this year (25th in MLB). Over the past three weeks, Milwaukee has had a league-worst .202 wOBA in the first inning.
On the other side, Woodruff has just a 3-2 NRFI record over five starts. However, he's also tossed a scoreless first inning in three straight outings. Milwaukee's veteran boasts a career 76% NRFI rate, including a 9-3 NRFI mark last season. Woodruff has held opponents scoreless in the opening frame in 80% of his starts over his past four seasons.
Today, Woodruff will face an Arizona offense ranked 23rd in the league in first-inning runs scored. Over the past two weeks, the Diamondbacks have plated only two total runs in the opening frame (26th). It's a good spot for Woodruff, who owns a 76% NRFI rate and a 2.73 ERA at home in the first inning throughout his career.
Pick: NRFI (-138)
Kansas City Royals vs. Athletics
Starting Pitchers: Noah Cameron vs. Jeffrey Springs
Our second NRFI pick today features an American League matchup between the Royals and Athletics. We have a pair of left-handers starting in this one. It'll be Noah Cameron for Kansas City, while Jeffrey Springs toes the rubber for the A's. Let's break down why there's value in the NRFI.
On the surface, Springs doesn't offer much confidence. The Athletics southpaw posted a subpar 63% NRFI mark last year, with an ugly 6.90 ERA in the first inning. He's tossed a scoreless opening frame in four out of six starts so far this season, though, and owns a career 73% NRFI rate.
The big factor, however, is the matchup. The Royals have one of the worst first-inning offenses in the league. They've scored only two runs in the opening frame all season, which ranks dead last in the Majors. Kansas City also has just a .167 batting average (27th) and .204 wOBA (29th) in the first inning.
Meanwhile, Cameron can get the job done on the other side. The Royals starter has tossed a scoreless first inning in all five starts this year, while allowing a .067 batting average in the opening frame. He also posted a solid 17-7 NRFI record last season (71%).
Just like Springs, though, Cameron also gets a favorable matchup. The Athletics rank 25th in the league in first-inning runs scored, while batting just .186 in the opening frame (26th). Plus, the A's have yet to score in the opening inning against left-handed starters. They also have a league-worst .135 wOBA in the first inning versus lefties this season.
Pick: NRFI (+102)