August 12 Best Bet: Padres vs Nationals
(MLB) San Diego vs. Washington,
Point Spread: -1.50 | -145.00 San Diego (Away)
Result: Win
I like the Padres the most of the favorites playing on Friday. After tossing a gem against the Mets on August 2, Cory Abbot was rocked on Monday against the Phillies, allowing five walks and four home runs in under four innings of work. Based on Abbot's career 6.30 ERA, 12 home runs, and 19 walks allowed in just 30 career innings, he is in trouble here against one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball that has awakened with 20 runs scored over the last two games.
Clevinger has been solid for the most part since returning in May. Most of Clevinger's struggles have come in tough spots (examples: against Seattle, at Coors Field, and against Dodgers), but this should be a good spot for him to mow down a Nationals team that has been outscored by at least two runs in nine of their last 11 losses.
We have a large sample size at this point of the season, and the Nationals are the worst team against the runline in baseball and also the worst home team in baseball. The Padres offense has also performed better on the road.