Wednesday is a good one for baseball fans. 14 games between 28 games are on tap, getting started this afternoon. 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.
Athletics vs. Twins NRFI (+100)
Let’s kick things off with a spicy NRFI bet. You’d be forgiven for having some trepidation when backing this Athletics pitching staff. After all, the team has surrendered an American League-worst 5.23 runs per game to opponents. However, that’s due in large part to the hitter-friendly dimensions of Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. When playing away from home, several A’s hurlers have delivered impressive statistics. That includes J.T. Ginn, who has posted a 3.29 ERA over seven appearances on the road. Tonight, the righty will face a depleted Twins lineup that lacks star power outside of Byron Buxton.
On the other side, it’ll be Bailey Ober toeing the slab for Minnesota. It’s been a rocky season for the fifth-year pro. Through 108.1 innings of work, he’s notched a 5.15 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 86 strikeouts. However, he’s allowed just four earned runs over his last two starts. In addition, Ober owns a solid 3.15 first inning ERA. Even against a solid Athletics offense, I’m willing to bet the big righty can start off unscathed. At even money, this NRFI prop is worth the risk.
Brewers vs. Cubs NRFI (-160)
It was a triumphant Tuesday for the Cubs, who swept the Brewers in a doubleheader. Milwaukee will attempt to bounce back tonight with uber-talented rookie Jacob Misiorowski. The 23-year-old has some of the game’s best stuff; look no further than his 13.0 K/9 ratio. However, this is a difficult matchup- at least on paper. Chicago is averaging the fifth-most runs per game in baseball this season (4.95). With that being said, the team has scored a league-worst 54 total runs since August 1st.
The home team will send out Colin Rea, making his 22nd start of the year. It’s been a successful 2025 campaign for the veteran, who has contributed all season for this Cubs rotation. Over 121.2 innings, the 35-year-old has accounted for a 3.99 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Much like Misiorowski, this assignment is difficult in theory. After all, the league-leading Brewers possess one of the sport’s top offenses. However, Milwaukee’s lineup also owns baseball’s highest NRFI rate (77.78%). History tells us that Rea has a good chance at securing three quick outs.
Giants vs. Padres NRFI (-120)
To wrap up the list, we’ll head to SoCal. The Padres have their eyes set on an NL West division title. In order to keep pace with the Dodges, they’ll need a solid start tonight from JP Sears. It’s been a bizarre season for the 29-year-old, recently traded from the Athletics. After one awful start with San Diego (5 IP, 5 ER), he was sent down to the minors. This will be Sears’ first major league appearance in over two weeks. Fortunately, this is a solid matchup. The Giants are hitting a league-worst .211 against left-handers. In addition, the southpaw has a minuscule 1.17 first inning ERA.
San Francisco will send Landen Roupp to the hill, making his 22nd start. Through 104.1 innings, the righty has put up a stellar 3.45 ERA, albeit with an unimpressive 1.45 WHIP. Much like Sears, he’s been reliable in the first inning as well (2.57 ERA). Over 18.2 career innings vs. San Diego, the Giants hurler owns a 1.93 ERA. That includes a 6.1-inning, scoreless performance on June 3rd. The young hurler is more than capable of delivering another masterpiece tonight.
