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 Wednesday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Blue Jays NRFI (-120)
Typically, neither of these AL East powerhouses would make for a great NRFI pick. The Yankees, for all their flaws, are averaging the third-most runs per game in baseball (5.21). In comparison, the Blue Jays are tenth (4.61). Still, that doesn’t take into account the two arms on the mound tonight. For New York, it’ll be ace Max Fried, making his first start of the second half. In the All-Star’s most recent appearance, he was forced to exit early vs. the Cubs due to a finger blister. However, a ten-day absence should give the 31-year-old enough time to recover. Through 20 starts this season, Fried has surrendered just five first inning earned runs (2.25 ERA).
On the other side, it’ll be Chris Bassitt toeing the slab. It’s been an up-and-down first half for the 36-year-old. Through 113.1 innings of work, he’s posted a 3.89 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. While those aren’t spectacular numbers, it’s clear that the veteran is capable of tossing a gem. That’s especially true against the Yankees, a team Bassitt has dominated throughout his career. Over seven starts vs. New York, the Toronto hurler owns a sparkling 2.03 ERA. That bodes well for his chances of pitching a clean top of the first.
Athletics vs. Rangers NRFI (-130)
In a battle of polar opposites, the swinging A’s travel to Texas for a date with one of baseball’s best pitching staffs. Arguably the biggest surprise for the Rangers has been Patrick Corbin. Following a disastrous tenure with the Nationals, it looked like the former All-Star was washed up. However, the southpaw has enjoyed a resurgence in 2025. The veteran has thrown 99.0 innings while recording a 3.91 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Corbin has been untouchable at the start of games, notching a 1.00 first inning ERA. Since June 1st, the Athletics are hitting just .219 against left-handed pitching. That’s the fourth-worst mark in baseball during that time.
The visitors will give the nod to JP Sears, arguably the most consistent hurler on this dismal A’s rotation. The 29-year-old’s numbers aren’t the most impressive (5.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). Still, he’s been unhittable at the start of games. Over 20 outings this season, Sears’ first inning ERA is a minuscule 0.90. It helps that the light-hitting Rangers own the league’s third-highest NRFI rate at home (82.0%). Expect both of Wednesday’s starters to keep things low scoring in the first.
