Jul 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; The participants are introduced before the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

MLB All-Star Game Set for Tonight

The 88th annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game is tonight at 8 pm ET at Marlins Park in Miami.

The American League is looking for a fifth straight victory against the National League tonight. Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals will be starting for the NL and Chris Sale of the Boston Red Sox will be starting for the AL.

American League Dominance

The American League has dominated the All-Star game in recent years, having won 16 out of the 20 previous All-Star games. An American League victory would put the all time All-Star game record at 43-43-2.

While the AL has been dominant in recent years, the NL is still the favorite for this year’s game. The National League is a -115 betting favorite. Even with the NL being the betting favorite, many still expect the AL to win. The AL is led by big hitters Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Home Run Derby Champion Aaron Judge.

A highly anticipated matchup will be Judge vs Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer is a pitching ace and Judge is a powerful hitter.

It Doesn’t Count

This is the first year since 2002 that the All-Star game will not determine which league gets home-field advantage in the World Series. The MLB announced in December that they were taking down their “This Time It Counts” initiative. The MLB was the only major sports league where the All-Star game has an effect on the post-season.

It will be interesting to see if the level of competition is different this year compared to years past. The last seven All-Star games have been won by at least two runs.

Tune-In

You can listen to the 88th All-Star Game right here on 98.1 FM and 850 AM. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m.

 

About Darwin Patterson

A senior at the University of Florida reporting on Gator sports, local Gainesville and surrounding area sports, and telling the stories of local athletes. Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida with a passion for telling people's stories and having fun doing it.

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