MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bet Odds & Picks: Thursday (9/26)
The playoffs are right around the corner and a fair amount of standings are still up in the air. For those unaware, NRFI stands for No Runs First Inning. It's a popular betting market where gamblers wager on whether the first inning of an MLB game will end with zero runs scored by either team. Pretty simple. These bets heavily depend on the starting pitchers and consider factors like pitcher stats, team tendencies, ballpark conditions and weather.
Some teams consistently score early, while others struggle. These NRFI bets are the best because they're quick - sometimes you'll know the outcome within minutes. Second, some pitchers excel in the first inning due to their repertoire or mental approach. NRFI capitalizes on this. Lastly, if you've done your research, NRFI bets can provide an edge over other markets. I'm here to help provide that edge. As always, shop around for the best odds and be on the lookout for any lineup changes or injury news. Let's get to it.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
Join our new MLB Betting Group to share bets and compete in leaderboards >>
Thursday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
Last Time: 2-1 | MLB Season: 27-19
Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
Starting Pitchers: Corbin Burnes vs. Gerrit Cole
Whenever you include the Yankees in an NRFI bet, you're going to get value. The Yankees are one of the best teams at scoring early in the league with 104 first inning runs on the season. Baltimore is also in the top of the league, tied for 10th with 84 runs of their own. But both teams are coming off high-scoring outputs and are likely to find regression.
There are also two studs taking the mound today, so that's making it an easier bet here. Corbin Burnes has been up and down this season but he has found his groove in September and owns a 2.61 ERA in the opening frame this year. Cole is even better with a 1.13 first-inning ERA. After celebrations for clinching the playoffs, yesterday’s output and the matchups for the pitchers against the respective top of the orders, this is an easy NRFI bet. Again, be sure to shop around.
Play: NRFI (-125 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Angels at Chicago White Sox
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Anderson vs. Chris Flexen
This may seem like a cop out but a day game between two of the worst offenses in the league makes this one of the easier NRFI bets of the year. The White Sox rank dead last at early run scoring with only 56 runs in the first frame in 2024. The Angels aren't exactly much better with 61 runs of their own.
Chris Flexen doesn't have great overall numbers but he does own a 3.00 first-inning ERA, which is promising. Tyler Andersons sits at a 3.90. I can't say I'm all too worried about the White Sox being the team to score early here. With this game starting early as well, teams are less likely to take pre-game batting practice and could start sluggishly. Not only would I take the NRFI here, but first five innings under as well.
Play: NRFI (-125 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting Pitchers: Joe Musgrove vs. Walker Buehler
What a treat we have with a playoff race so close to the end of the season. The Dodgers and Padres have clinched playoff births as they fight for the National League West division title. My main concern here is Walker Buehler. Since returning from injury, he hasn't exactly been stellar with a 5.40 ERA in his last seven starts. What stands out is his 9.00 first-inning ERA on the season. He's made 15 starts and has allowed 15 runs with four long balls and a 1.057 opponent OPS.
The Padres should be ready to mash early. Joe Musgrove isn't exactly terrible with a 4.00 early-inning ERA but he's also going to face perhaps the best 1-2-3 order like... ever? The Dodgers’ powerhouse offense can score in the first inning at will it seems, so I'm happy to back some first inning offense here and go with a Yes Runs First Inning (YRFI) bet.
Play: YRFI (-105 at ESPN Bet)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: