15 games are on tap across Major League Baseball starting this afternoon. With every team taking the field, the options are limitless for bettors. A no run first inning bet (NRFI) could be the best way to get involved in tonight’s action. 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.
Ahead of Wednesday’s action, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Royals vs. Red Sox NRFI (-110)
In what was a quiet trade deadline for the Red Sox, the team did swing a trade for Dodgers starter Dustin May. Despite his high prospect pedigree, injuries and underperformance have hurt the 27-year-old throughout his brief MLB career. Still, it’s easy to see why Boston’s front office wanted to target a pitcher with phenomenal swing-and-miss stuff. In his first start at Fenway Park, May will face a weak-hitting Royals lineup. Kansas City is averaging just 3.67 runs per game, the second-lowest mark in baseball.
On the other side, it’ll be Michael Wacha toeing the slab for the visitors. The former Red Sox starter will have his hands full tonight against one of the league’s most dangerous lineups. With that being said, the veteran has a claim as baseball’s NRFI king. Over 22 outings this season, Wacha has recorded a minuscule 0.82 first inning ERA. Even against this loaded Boston offense, I’m backing the right-hander on Wednesday.
Brewers vs. Braves NRFI (-140)
The Brewers, 69-44, have taken the National League by storm. That’s due in large part to contributions from several unlikely sources. Jose Quintana is no longer an All-Star caliber arm, but he’s still capable of getting outs. Over 87.1 innings of work this season, the 36-year-old has notched a 3.50 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. During his 16 appearances in 2025, the southpaw has surrendered four first inning runs (2.25 ERA). In comparison, the Braves are a below-average offense against left-handed pitching.
Taking the hill for Atlanta will be staff ace Spencer Strider. Despite dealing with a few injuries this year, the righty remains one of the most intimidating hurlers in baseball. Through 77.2 innings pitched, the 26-year-old has recorded a 3.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 92 strikeouts. If there’s a knock on the fireballer, he can sometimes stumble out of the gates. However, he’ll face a Brewers offense that owns the league’s highest NRFI rate (77.88%). Strider has allowed a first inning run only twice over his previous ten games. Keeping that in mind, he should find early success tonight.
