The pennant chase is heating up across Major League Baseball as we enter the season’s second half. For those looking to get in on the action, few wagers are more enticing than a no run first inning bet (NRFI). Three outs from each pitcher are all you need to cash in- but that’s easier said than done. Figuring out which pitchers thrive early, and which lineups don’t, is key to cashing in.
Ahead of today’s MLB slate, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tigers vs. Pirates NRFI (-140)
Two terrific arms are set to clash when Casey Mize’s Tigers travel to Pittsburgh. Toeing the slab for the Pirates will be Mitch Keller, a potential trade target for several contending clubs. Despite receiving minimal run support, the seventh-year pro has put together the best season of his career. Over 20 starts, the right-hander has notched a 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 92 strikeouts. During that time, Keller has surrendered just six first inning runs (2.70 ERA). Over the past two weeks, Detroit’s offense has scored the second-fewest runs in baseball.
As good as Keller has been, Mize has delivered a stellar 2025 campaign. Through 88.2 innings of work, the former top overall pick has recorded a 3.15 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 77 strikeouts. A big part of the All-Star’s success is getting off to a fast start. Over 16 starts, opponents have only scored twice against Mize (1.13 ERA). Tonight, he’ll face a Pirates offense that has a 76.24% NRFI rate, third-highest in the league. Expect a clean inning from both of these talented hurlers in Pittsburgh.
Athletics vs. Rangers NRFI (-145)
The headline for this AL West battle is another start for the dominant Jacob deGrom. It’s been a true return to form for the two-time Cy Young winner, still one of the sport’s top pitchers. Over 112.1 innings of work, the 37-year-old has accounted for a 2.32 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 113 strikeouts. During his pair of starts against the Athletics this season, deGrom has given up two earned runs (1.59 ERA). It helps that the A’s own the league’s tenth-highest NRFI rate on the road (74.51%).
Whether this NRFI bet hits will likely depend on JT Ginn. The 26-year-old has made 11 appearances in 2025, seven of which came as a reliever. On paper, his numbers leave much to be desired (4.91 ERA, 4.76 FIP). However, the right-hander has allowed just one first inning run during his four starts. He’ll face a Rangers offense that’s accounted for an 81.63% NRFI rate when playing at Globe Life Field. That’s the third-highest mark at home in all of baseball. Given how deGrom is pitching right now, Ginn is worth the risk on Tuesday.
Brewers vs. Mariners NRFI (-160)
In a league filled with young phenoms, Jacob Misiorowski has become must-see TV. Through just five starts, Milwaukee’s fireballer has posted a 2.81 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 33 strikeouts. In addition, he’s allowed just one first inning earned run (1.80 ERA). On Tuesday, the All-Star will face a dangerous Mariners lineup led by Cal Raleigh. However, the M’s are a far less formidable lineup at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. This season, Seattle owns baseball’s second-highest NRFI rate when playing at home (82.0%).
To counter Misiorowski, the Mariners will turn to Logan Gilbert. Despite being hampered by injuries, the right-hander has been stellar once again this season. Over 61.0 innings of work, the 28-year-old has accounted for a 3.39 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 88 strikeouts. Milwaukee, despite its status as one of the National League’s top offenses, has issues at the start of games. The Brewers have produced a league-worst 78.0% NRFI rate this season. Against an ace such as Gilbert, it’s unlikely that trend changes.
