It’s a 15-game MLB Saturday, giving fans and bettors plenty of hardball action. For those looking to place a few wagers, none 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.
Athletics vs. Astros NRFI (-140)
There haven’t been many standout arms for the Athletics this season. However, Jacob Lopez has shown some flashes of greatness. Despite his middling 4.60 ERA, the righty has allowed less than two runs in six of his 11 starts. The 27-year-old has also been terrific during the first inning, allowing just two earned runs (1.64 ERA). Tonight, he’ll face an Astros lineup that owns baseball’s second-highest NRFI rate (77.88%). The absence of Isaac Paredes (hamstring) only makes Houston a weaker hitting club.
The ‘Stros are still in good shape thanks to Saturday’s starter, Hunter Brown. The right-hander has been a sensation in 2025, earning his first career All-Star Game selection. Looking over his numbers, it’s easy to see why (2.57 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 10.9 K/9). Over 20 career starts vs. the Athletics, Brown has posted a stellar 2.63 ERA. That includes a six-inning, one-run performance on May 27th. Expect three quick outs from the budding ace tonight.
Guardians vs. Royals NRFI (-120)
Despite wielding two of baseball’s worst offenses, the Guardians and Royals remain in contention for an American League wildcard spot. That’s due in large part to solid starting pitching, which should be on display tonight. Kansas City will hand the ball to breakout star Kris Bubic. The southpaw has emerged as one of the Junior Circuit’s most reliable arms. Through 113.2 innings of work, the 27-year-old has recorded a 2.38 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 115 strikeouts. In the first inning, Bubic has delivered a phenomenal 2.37 ERA. There’s a good chance that continues on Saturday; Cleveland has posted the league’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (75.49%).
To counter Bubic’s dominance, the Guardians will need a solid showing from Tanner Bibee. Despite his massive talent, the right-hander has been so-so in 2025. Over 20 appearances, he’s notched a 4.27 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. In addition, he hasn’t been very good to start games (5.40 first inning ERA). Still, Cleveland’s hurler has owned this matchup recently. Over his last ten innings against the Royals, Bibee has held them scoreless. KC, averaging the second-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.52), is unlikely to find success on Saturday.
Mets vs. Giants NRFI (-140)
Two of the NL’s top squads are set to meet tonight in The Bay. It’ll be David Peterson toeing the slab for New York, making his 20th start of the season. The lefty has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets, posting career-best marks in ERA (2.90), WHIP (1.21), and BB/9 (3.0). To make things more enticing, Peterson has accounted for a terrific 0.95 first inning ERA. The Giants are averaging just 4.15 runs per game, the league’s tenth-lowest mark.
San Francisco will bring out an ace of their own tonight, Robbie Ray. The former Cy Young winner, after several injury-plagued seasons, is back to being elite. Through 123.1 innings, the 33-year-old has accounted for a 2.92 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 9.6 K/9. Unsurprisingly, those numbers were good enough to warrant a second career All-Star Game nod. On the road, New York has an NRFI rate of 76.47%; that’s the seventh-highest mark in baseball. Ray and Peterson both appear poised for plenty of success in this marquee matchup.
