Bryan Armetta shares his two favorite MLB no run first inning (NRFI) prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s nine-game slate.
The weekend is almost here, but we’ve still got some baseball business to settle. Nine games between 18 teams are on tap this Thursday across Major League Baseball. That also means bettors have plenty of options, including NRFI wagers. Before today’s action, which pitchers can pick up three quick outs without allowing a run?
Ahead of Thursday’s MLB slate, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Playoff hopes for both the Royals and Guardians are hanging on by a thread right now. That’s what makes Thursday’s showdown so important for both teams. Toeing the slab for Kansas City will be Stephen Kolek, making his 16 start for the club. Traded in July from San Diego, it’s been a solid 2025 season for the righty (3.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). Despite his ghasty first inning ERA (5.66), Kolek has a solid 75% NRFI rate. This is also an ideal matchup; Cleveland is averaging the fourth-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.91).
On the other side, it’ll be Gavin Williams starting for the Guardians. On an otherwise unimpressive pitching staff, the 26-year-old has been a reliable presence on the mound. Through 28 starts, the right-hander owns a 3.17 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 146 strikeouts. Williams has surrendered just two earned runs over his previous 14.0 innings. In addition, he’s posted a career 2.27 ERA over seven career meetings with the Royals. Kansas City’s light-hitting lineup is an NRFI boon for most pitchers; don’t expect an offensive outburst on Thursday.
It’s been a brutal week for the Mets, who have dropped three straight to the hated Phillies. New York will attempt to stop its slide with David Peterson on the hill tonight. What started out as an All-Star campaign has spiraled in recent weeks. Over his previous five appearances, the southpaw has accounted for a 7.77 ERA. Still, much of that was due to a pair of blow-up outings vs. the Marlins and Braves. Peterson’s first inning ERA is still spectacular (2.33). Even against a quality Philadelphia lineup, I’m willing to bet the veteran starts off strong.
For the home team, it’ll be Jesus Luzardo on tap. Much like Peterson, the seventh-year pro has vacillated between terrific and terrible performances for most of 2025. Still, he’s been a valuable member of this rotation (4.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 10.6 K/9). Luzardo has also recorded a respectable 75% NRFI rate. A matchup with the Mets appears daunting, given all the fire power in the middle of this lineup. However, New York has scored just 18 runs over its previous seven contests. Against a struggling offense, Philadelphia’s talented lefty is capable of keeping things scoreless.