Best NRFI Bets Today: Expect No Runs to Be Scored in the First Inning of the All Star Game

The best players in the sport are set to face off against each other as the 94th edition of the MLB All Star game kicks off tonight. Even though the most productive batters in the league are slotted in each other's top of their orders, their bats are poised to cool off as they get the unfortunate task of having to swing against a pair of elite arms on the mound who are on their way of winning the Cy Young awards.

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American League vs. National League - Tarik Skubal vs. Paul Skenes (8:00 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-145) at BetMGM Sportsbook

After winning his first career AL Cy Young award last season, the Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is on pace to win it again as he enters the All Star game leading the AL in WHIP with a 0.826 and in FIP with a 2.01. He is also currently just seven Strikeouts back from Garrett Crochet for the most Strikeouts in the league while playing in one less game than the Boston Red Sox pitcher.

While Skubal does receive a lot of support from a back end who ranks near the top of the board in Defensive Efficiency and in Fielding Percentage, his own individual production will be on full display as he has had no issue with neutralizing an offense with just his arm. As of writing, Skubal averages more than one Strikeout and less than one Hit Allowed per Inning Pitched.

His ability to avoid contact at a consistent rate will be key against the National League as he is set to face off against Shohei Ohtani and a group of lethal contact hitters. Fortunately for Skubal, Ohtani’s aggressive tendency at the plate leaves him prone to striking out as he averages more Strikeouts than Hits per game. Should Skubal get past Ohtani, then his chances of keeping a clean sheet greatly increases.

On the other side of the field, Paul Skenes is set to kick things off as the Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher has been able to carry over his momentum into this season after winning the NL Rookie of the Year award last year. As of writing, Skenes is averaging an ERA of 2.01, a WHIP of 0.926, a FIP of 2.40, and less than one Hit Against per Inning Pitched.

Unlike Skubal, Skenes major challenge comes at the end of his start as Aaron Judge is slotted at the third position in the American League’s lineup. Should Skenes take advantage of Riley Greene’s high Strikeout Rate, then this reduces the chances of Judge bringing home a runner with a Hit. With full control of his command, expect Skenes to continue to avoid contact and escape the first inning without conceding a run.

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