Betting on the WBC No-hitter

Last Updated (Thursday, 19 January 2012 16:50) Monday, 02 March 2009 00:00

In a meaningless game in the 2006 WBC for the Netherlands, the improbable happened. It gave the Dutch nation a thrill and it came from an unlikely hurler. Shairon Martis beat Panama 10-0 in seven innings on March 10, 2006. The 18-year old and his teammates knew they were not going to advance out of Pool C prior to the start of the game. However, it didn't stop the young fireballer from pitching his ass off against a better team.

It was the first and only such no-hitter in the brief history of the World Baseball Classic. So now the WBC betting question becomes:

Will there be a no-hitter in the 2009 World Baseball Classic?

The WBC odds on this fun prop are posted with NO a heavy favorite at -450. As there are only a couple of no-no's thrown every season in Major League Baseball, oddsmakers doubt it will happen in this Classic. As an underdog, the YES option is listed at +325.

Realistically, we can't expect another no-hitter this time around. While there are some countries that are sure to struggled offensively, many pitchers are on pitch counts and won't go the distance or go all-out in this tournament. Plus, many of the high profile pitchers, such as Johan Santana, are absent from the 2009 WBC.

At -450, WBC odds bettors will say it's a lot to lay on the NO side. But think about it. How many MLB games are played each and every day throughout the season and how many no-hitters occur? We just can't see this unlikely event happening again. So, despite the fact that it has already happening in Classic history, feel reassured and secure in laying the money. You're betting on the high probability side and not buying a lottery ticket like you would you were betting on the YES side.