MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Odds & Picks: Wednesday (10/9)
The 2024 MLB postseason continues with four Division Series showdowns on Wednesday. The New York Mets and San Diego Padres each hold a 2-1 series lead on the National League side. Meanwhile, both series are tied 1-1 in the American League. The dream of capturing a World Series title remains alive for the eight squads left.
Bettors wanting to get in on the action without sweating through an entire nine-inning game can turn to MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) tickets for a quick result. With that said, don’t feel forced to pick a side for every contest on a limited slate. Here's a look at one NRFI option that sticks out on this week's hump day.
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Team View
- MLB NRFI/YRFI Cheat Sheet - Matchup View
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
- MLB Consensus Odds
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Wednesday's Best MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Yankees (-118) at Kansas City Royals (-102)
Starting Pitchers: Clarke Schmidt vs. Seth Lugo
This series has had no shortage of drama. Eight lead changes through two games have been overshadowed by the fact superstars Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge have combined for one hit in 19 plate appearances. Those struggles have played a key role in an NRFI bet cashing in both contests. Expect another slow start on Wednesday with New York’s Clarke Schmidt (5-5, 2.85 ERA) and Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) earning the nod. The right-handers have been stellar at the beginning of outings.
Lugo has posted a 1.91 ERA and allowed a .210 batting average over 33 first innings this year. Not only that, but he has given up just one home run in that span. Limiting the long ball is crucial against a Yankees lineup full of power. New York has trotted out Gleyber Torres, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge as its top three batters in the playoffs. That trio is notably 8-for-37 (.216) with one extra-base knock versus Lugo. Trust the established pro to extend his first-inning scoreless streak to 10 straight starts.
Pitching on the road usually presents a tougher matchup than pitching at home. However, Schmidt has recorded an amazing 1.39 ERA across eight away starts for the Yankees. Hostile environments do not scare the 28-year-old. Keep in mind Schmidt has also logged a 1.69 ERA in 16 first innings in 2024 and finished the regular season with a career-best 26.4% strikeout percentage. Adrenaline should be at an all-time high as Schmidt aims to kick off his first career playoff start with a bang.
The Yankees have not tallied a first-inning run in 11 of their last 14 away clashes. The Royals have not crossed home plate in the opening frame during 13 of their previous 14 home battles. Simply put, there haven’t been many scoring opportunities right out of the gate for either team lately. Combining those trends with the success of the two hurlers on the mound makes the likelihood of a scoreless start even more promising. Lock this NRFI in as the odds may drop when the scheduled first pitch is near.
Bet: NRFI (-125)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: