Before we give out our best MLB bets for August 15th – how about some trivia to get us warmed up?
Do you know who has hit into the most double-plays in MLB history?
Here’s a hint – he’s a Hall of Famer…he retired last year…some say he’s a “Machine”…
That’s right! Albert Pujols hit into 426 double-plays. Sure, Pujols also had 703 home runs…but for all those dingers, there were lots of ugly double-play balls.
Can you believe that?
Makes us think of sports betting – even Hall of Famers can have ugly ABs. It’s about finding the right pitch, making solid contact, and delivering positive results.
Here’s hoping our best MLB bets for August 15th are home runs and not, well, you know…
Boston Red Sox (-164) at Washington Nationals (+140) – 7:05 PM EST
For the first of our best MLB bets for August 15th, we look at the Boston Red Sox who continue their chase of a postseason spot with a matchup in Washington D.C. that is a must-win series against the Nationals.
The Nats are 18-32 as a home underdog, 4th worst record in the National League. But, the Red Sox are 8-10 as a road favorite, and that’s the third-worst winning percentage in MLB under those circumstances.
Can the Sox pull off a Game 1 win against the Nationals? Are we backing Boston as one of our best MLB bets for August 15th?
It will largely depend on Nick Pivetta, who has been a revelation for the Red Sox over the past two months. In June, he had a 2.53 ERA and in July he had a 1.91 ERA. August hasn’t been as kind to him. But with a lower ERA, OBA, and HR allowed on the road compared to at Fenway this season, the Sox should have faith in Pivetta to deliver a solid outing.
However, Pivetta should avoid pitching to Dominic Smith – who has a .364 AVG and a home run against the right-hander in 11 previous at-bats.
Shifting to the Nats starter, Josiah Gray, he has worse numbers at home than on the road. His 5.17 ERA in Washington D.C. this season looks even better when you see his ERA in August after two starts is 9.72.
The reverse splits mean Justin Turner and Red Sox right-handed hitters could have a good night, but no matter who the Sox put in the lineup, we like Boston to claim the series opener.
MLB Best Bet: Red Sox ML (-164)
Los Angeles Angels (+145) at Texas Rangers (-165) – 8:05 PM EST
In this AL West matchup, both teams start a pitcher they acquired at the trade deadline (for games just like this one).
For the Angels. Lucas Giolito toes the rubber and could use a solid outing after a horrible start to his LA career. In August, he has an 11.17 ERA, and over the last 30 days, Giolito is 1-3 with a 8.75 ERA and opponents have a .305 average against him. Oh, and let’s not forget the eight home runs allowed!
To say Giolito has been a bust in an Angels uniform is an understatement. But, there is hope – with no previous meeting against the Rangers lineup this season, Giolito might have slightly better results. Plus, in 102 at-bats lifetime against him, the current roster of Rangers have just 20 hits (.196 AVG) and one home run.
The same thing can’t be said about Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery. He’s allowed five home runs in just 60 at-bats against the hitters in the LA lineup, including two dingers for Eduardo Escobar and a .389 batting average for Hunter Renfroe.
That’s the pitching matchup, but what about the betting trends?
The Rangers have the second-best winning percentage in baseball as a home favorite with a 33-15 record. In division games, Texas is 19-14 while Los Angeles is 17-20.
We like the Angels to keep it tight, especially in the first five innings – so consider the Angels to cover F5 +0.5 – but the best bet for this game is to trust the Rangers to win at home. Make sure to use strong bankroll management techniques to ensure that you stand to profit as much as possible.
MLB Best Bet: Rangers ML (-165)
Milwaukee Brewers (+170) at Los Angeles Dodgers (-200) – 10:10 PM EST
As we move from one LA to another for our final one of our best MLB bets for August 15th, the Dodgers are red-hot! 9-1 in their last 10 games, the Dodgers have opened up a 9-game lead over the 2nd-place San Francisco Giants in the NL West.
While the Dodgers are getting the attention, Milwaukee has been pretty good of late too: 7-3 in their last 10 and the Brew Crew leads the NL Central by 3.5 games.
So Brewers-Dodgers could be an October preview – can Milwaukee make a statement in Hollywood?
The Brewers’ starter Adrian Houser struggled in his last start and has a 1-1 record, 5.74 ERA, and .271 OBA over the last month. His ERA is higher on the road as is his OBA, which is .321 away from Milwaukee.
Expect the Dodger hitters to feast off of Houser – especially Mookie Betts and other right-handed hitters, since Houser is allowing righties to hit .311 against him.
The only issue for LA is their starter has an ugly stat too. Bobby Miller has a 5.85 ERA in six starts at home this season. Unfortunately, that’s where the bad numbers stop since Miller has been fantastic in his last five starts with a 2.84 ERA and only six walks to 24 strikeouts over that span.
Yes, the Dodgers are a slightly heavy favorite and that may keep some bettors away, but we will use this game as a leg of a parlay. So, bring on the Brew Crew – we’re expecting them to get the “L” in La La Land.
MLB Best Bet: Dodgers ML (-200)
