The weekend arrives with 15 games on the diamond Friday, June 12, and I’ve pinpointed three NRFI predictions to amp up the excitement tonight.
My top MLB picks call for a scoreless opening inning between the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates to open the action.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
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Marlins at Pirates: NRFI (-109)
Both Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara and Pittsburgh Pirates righty Braxton Ashcraft have been sensational in this market this season and have combined to pitch 23 scoreless opening frames across 27 starts.
Additionally, Alcantara’s first-inning numbers (5.14 ERA with a .758 OPS allowed) are skewed because all eight runs he’s surrendered came across just three games.
Ashcraft, meanwhile, checks in with an absolutely elite .169 batting average and .414 OPS allowed in the opening frame across his 21 career starts.
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SNP, MIAM
Mariners at Nationals: NRFI (-105)
Seattle Mariners righty Bryce Miller has spun four consecutive scoreless first frames to start his 2026 campaign, and he also held opposing hitters to a modest .601 OPS across 18 opening innings last season.
The Mariners are in tough against Washington Nationals righty Zack Littell, too. He’s also fired four consecutive scoreless opening innings and has held opposing hitters to a lower .479 OPS across nine 2026 starts. Littell has also settled into a sterling groove with an overall 3.47 FIP across his past seven outings.
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NATS, SEAM
Phillies at Brewers: NRFI (-115)
Milwaukee Brewers star Jacob Misiorowski has pitched eight consecutive scoreless first frames while holding opposing hitters to a pedestrian .359 OPS. Of course, he’s also pacing qualified MLB starters with a 1.50 ERA and 2.21 xFIP for the campaign.
This becomes a sneaky NRFI because while Philadelphia Phillies righty Andrew Painter's 6.21 ERA and 1.57 WHIP are eyesores, he’s pitched a scoreless first in nine of 11 starts. This will also be the first time the Milwaukee Brewers are facing the promising rookie.
- Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: BREW, NBCSP
- NRFI/YRFI picks: 11-11, -3.54 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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