It’s a 15-game Wednesday across Major League Baseball, with all 30 teams taking the diamond. For those looking to get in on the action, consider 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. Who should you back, and who should you fade, in the first tonight?
Ahead of Wednesday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Mariners vs. Orioles NRFI (-125)
It’s shaping up to be a lost season for the last-place Orioles. If Baltimore has a major weakness, it’s on the mound. Grayson Rodriguez hasn’t thrown a pitch in 2025, leaving the O’s without an ace for most of the year. Fortunately, Trevor Rogers has stepped up. Since joining the big league club on May 24th, the southpaw has been nothing short of dominant. Over 62.1 innings of work, he owns a 1.44 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 54 strikeouts. During those ten starts, Rogers has surrendered just five hits and zero earned runs in the first inning.
On the other side, Seattle will send out former All-Star Logan Gilbert. In spite of injuries, the right-hander has been a force yet again this season. Through 16 outings, he’s notched a 3.35 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 118 strikeouts. He’ll face a Baltimore offense that’s recorded the league’s ninth-highest NRFI rate (73.11%). Since August 1st, the Orioles have scored just 23 runs, by far the lowest total in all of baseball. Gilbert has accounted for a stellar 2.60 ERA over his last five appearances. There’s a good chance he delivers once more against this overmatched O’s lineup.
Braves vs. Mets NRFI (-110)
Regardless of the record, Braves vs. Mets remains one of baseball’s most intense rivalries. Tonight, New York will hope to earn a series win with David Peterson on the mound. It’s been a breakout season for the left-hander, a crucial development for this pitching staff. In 133.0 innings pitched, the All-Star has posted a 2.98 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 112 strikeouts. In addition, he’s put up a minuscule 0.82 first inning ERA. To make things even more enticing, Atlanta will be without two of its best hitters in Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) and Austin Riley (abdominal).
For the visitors, it’ll be recent acquisition Carlos Carrasco toeing the slab. In two starts since joining the Braves, the veteran has allowed a total of nine runs (6.94 ERA). On the year, he owns a dismal 6.18 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. However, the righty has yet to allow a first inning run in eight starts. Despite last night’s 12-run outburst, this Mets offense has struggled recently. Since July 10th, New York is averaging 4.33 runs per game, the 13th-lowest mark in baseball. At just -110, this NRFI bet is worth taking a flier on tonight.
