I’ve never felt more like a gunslinger in an old Western than when slapping money down on a No Runs First Inning bet in the MLB All-Star Game. But here I am, ready to fire from the hip after being a hesitant, if not infrequent, baseball bettor this season.
The pick — First inning UNDER 0.5 total runs (-132, BetRivers)
What better time to go all-in on the world-famous NRFI than in a game that features baseball’s two best pitchers in the first inning?
Sure, both All-Star lineups will have heavy hitters to begin the game. However, the National League is starting Pirates rookie right-hander Paul Skenes, whose 1.90 ERA and 0.92 WHIP would make Cy Young blush, while the American League is opening with Orioles ace Corbin Burnes and his great 1.04 WHIP.
Both Skenes and Burnes have had their last two games hit the NRFI. Add the fact that five of the last six All-Star games have had scoreless first innings, and that -132 number doesn’t look too bad.
Tuesday’s matchup has a low run total of 7.5, which my colleague Nate Jacobson is taking the under on. So let’s ride this wager to win some money quickly!
BONUS BET — Paul Skenes to go three up three down in the first inning (+160, FanDuel)