MLB NRFI Picks for August 28: Four Picks for Thursday

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Publish Date: 08/28/2025

Fact checked by: Meghan

There are only eight games happening across Major League Baseball on what is a relatively quiet Thursday. Even so, a lot of those games look to have scoreless first innings.

In this article we break down our favorite No Run First Inning (NRFI) bets across the league. To do that, we explain the pitching matchup, why the teams are unlikely to score early, as well as the data that backs each decision.

1. Diamondbacks @ Brewers No Run First Inning (-120)

This is another solid line for those looking for something a bit more secure. The Diamondbacks and Padres are two teams that tend to hit for average over power. That alone means it might take some time for them to get going, especially when looking at the pitchers.

The Diamondbacks will start Nabil Crismatt (1.00 ERA) against the Padres Jose Quintana (3.32 ERA). Crismatt is largely inexperienced, having just one start on the year, but he’s only allowed a single run on the season. As long as he doesn’t give up a lot of walks he should pitch a scoreless first frame.

On the other side of the mound, Quintana has had a great year. He has a 10-4 record with a 1.25 WHIP to go along with his impressive ERA. He’s struck out 75 batters and ranks as one of the best pitch-to-contract starters in all of baseball. That combination should keep the first inning quiet.

2. Cubs @ Giants No Run First Inning (-165)

The Cubs and Giants is one of the best NRFI bets on the day. This doesn’t give the highest pay out, but it’s a great line for those looking for a solid, more reliable line. That’s because it’s a matchup of two pitchers who don’t give up many runs.

San Francisco will send Logan Webb (3.13 ERA) to face off against the Cubs Shota Imanaga (3.03 ERA). Both pitchers can easily shut down their opponents and, even if they are a bit shaky, should have no issues keeping the other team in check.

The Giants have had solid flashes this season, but they aren’t a great hitting team. The Cubs have also gone cold as of late. Even if both teams figure out the opposing pitcher, it’s unlikely that will happen in the first inning.

Rather, it will likely take some time for both sides to figure it out. Webb has held opponents scoreless in the first inning 21 times this season, and since August 1st no team has scored fewer runs than the Cubs.

3. Braves @ Phillies No Run First Inning (-187)

The Braves and Phillies are two teams in very different places. Philadelphia has a lot of firepower, a strong pitching staff, and the ability to win games. The Braves, in contrast, are stuck in the middle of the pack in most ways. Even so, both squads could easily go scoreless in the first inning on Thursday.

Cal Quantrill (5.51 ERA) is set to make his second start for the Braves against Aaron Nola (6.52 ERA). Both pitchers have high ERAs that could scare people away. However, Nola has had scoreless first innings over his last two starts and has held opposing batters to a .214 average in the first inning this season. He’s only allowed one home run in the first frame this year as well.

Quantrill has had a rough year too, but his issues almost always come later in games. He’s stifling opponents in the first frame, holding them to a .238 average. He doesn’t allow many early home runs either, which greatly reduces his chances of letting someone get home.

4. Yankees @ White Sox No Run First Inning (-110)

The Yankees and White Sox is one of the riskier NRFI bets on the day, but it could pay off due to the two starters. The Yankees send Will Warren (4.47 ERA) to the mound. He may be a bit inconsistent, but his ERA has dipped over his last six games (3.09) and his NRFI rate this season sits at an impressive 81 percent.

The White Sox counter that with Davis Martin (3.93 ERA). Martin is one of Chicago’s best pitchers, and while he can get tired in the middle of outings, he tends to start strong. The 28-year-old has held opponents scoreless during the first frame during 14 of his 19 starts.

Though the Yankees like to score early, Martin could keep them quiet for the first. Add on the fact that the White Sox average the third-fewest runs per game in the league, and this looks like a game where both teams could go scoreless for one frame.