The Best Bets series couldn’t catch a cold at the moment. Things have been ice cold on the betting front since the dog days of summer. However, this can mean only one thing… WE ARE DUE! Even better than that, we have a full 15-game slate to get the job done.
Best Bets Aug. 18th
Phillies @ Nationals, 7:06 PM EST
Today’s first play targets a rematch between Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Michael Lorenzen and the Washington Nationals. In Lorenzen’s last outing against the Nats, he made history by throwing a no-hitter in his home debut. Only the second time this has ever happened in MLB history. Long story short, Lorenzen is now president and owner of the Washington Nationals.
Additionally, the Phillies need to keep winning. They have opened up a three and 1/2 game lead in the NL Wild Card race but have five strong teams nipping at their heels, ready to take their spot.
The Pick: Phillies -1.5 (-115) 1U
Nick Castellanos 1+ RBI (+120) 0.5U
Giants @ Braves, 7:21 PM EST
Our second play takes us south to Georgia, where the Atlanta Braves is the only thing hotter than the sun. They play host to the slumping San Fransisco Giants, who have won three of their last ten. They will likely struggle in the opener of this weekend’s series, having to contend with the MLB’s strikeout leader Spencer Strider. The Clemson product averages 14 strikeouts per nine and will have plenty of targets on this Giants’ lineup.
The Pick: Spencer Strider Over 8.5 Ks (+104) 1U
PPD Spencer Strider 9+ Ks / Braves to Win (+160) 0.5U
Mariners @ Astros, 8:11 PM EST
Today’s final matchup is between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros. Let’s start with the visitors. After a so-so start to the season, they have made a strong playoff push after the All-Star break. This is mainly due to the re-emergence of reigning AL ROTY Julio Rodríguez catching fire in the past few weeks. I like their good fortune to continue tonight against their AL West rivals. However, the team still has a strikeout problem, and I like J.P. France to take full advantage.
The Pick: J.P. France Over 4.5 Ks & Mariners +3.5 (-101) 1U
Julio Rodriguez 2+ Bases & 1+ Run (+145) 0.5U
Best Bets Record
Overall: 67-78-8 (+1.89U)
Main Photo Credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
