Thursday, otherwise known as getaway day, sees plenty of teams across baseball receiving a well-earned rest. Still, nine different squads are set to take the diamond today. That means MLB bettors have several options to choose from. 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. Which matchups on today’s slate will start out scoreless?
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB games, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Giants vs. Padres NRFI (-125)
At 61-66, this season has not gone according to plan for the Giants. Among the names that have fallen short of expectations, Justin Verlander has to be mentioned. The future Hall of Famer has been a shell of his old self, essentially acting as an innings eater. Through 21 appearances, he’s notched a 4.23 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 8.0 K/9 ratio. However, JV has been dominant in the first inning (1.71 ERA). His opponent tonight, the Padres, can’t say the same. San Diego owns baseball’s seventh-highest NRFI rate at home (73.77%).
On the other side, it’ll be Dylan Cease on the bump. Much like Verlander, it’s been a rocky 2025 campaign for the right-hander. Over 132.2 innings of work, he’s recorded a 4.61 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 171 strikeouts. Still, the 29-year-old’s 3.54 FIP suggests he’s been one of the league’s unluckiest arms. Since July 1st, the Giants are only averaging 3.81 runs per game, fourth-worst in all of baseball. Expect a quick first three outs from Cease on Thursday.
Astros vs. Orioles NRFI (-115)
Typically, we look for high-profile hurlers in our quest for the perfect NRFI bet. That certainly won’t be the case in Baltimore tonight. The visiting Astros will hand the ball to assistant to the traveling secretary pitcher Jason Alexander. The 32-year-old has been on fire recently, surrendering just two earned runs over his last 18.0 innings (1.00 ERA). That includes a six-inning, two-run performance against the Orioles last week. It’s worth noting that Alexander has yet to allow a first inning run in six starts this season. There’s a good chance that trend continues tonight against a weak-hitting O’s lineup.
For the home team, it’ll be Brandon Young toeing the slab. The rookie has been fairly mediocre this year (5.68 ERA, 1.49 WHIP). However, he’s fresh off of an eight-inning, one-hit masterpiece last week against the Astros. In Thursday’s rematch, the right-hander will hope to continue his success at pitcher-friendly Camden Yards. It helps that Houston comes into this contest struggling, especially at the plate. ‘Stros hitters have generated just 59 total runs this month, the third-lowest mark in baseball. In addition, the team has produced the league’s fourth-highest NRFI rate (74.80%). Even an inconsistent arm such as Young has what it takes to come through in this spot.
