Today’s edition of the Best Bets series will be a play-heavy one. So there is no need for much of an introduction. Let’s jump right into the picks!
Best Bets Aug. 14th
Yankees @ Braves, 7:21 PM EST
Today’s first play takes us to a matchup between the best team in baseball, and the best team in baseball according to my cousin Joey from Long Island. The New York Yankees travel to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Braves for the start of a three-game set against the NL powerhouse. The Braves have ascended from great to virtually untouchable following the All-Star break. Much of their success is due to the way they dominate the first inning. They are averaging 0.99 runs in the first this season, a number that jumps to 1.37 runs when they are in Atlanta. The formula is simple: Ronald Acuna Jr. gets on base, and either Austin Riley or Matt Olson drives him in. Simple.
The Pick: Braves Team Total Over 1.5 Runs 1st 3 Innings (-125) 1U
Austin Riley 1+ RBI (+105) 0.5U
Braves in 1st inning, 2023:
116 runs, most of any team in any inning
163 hits, most of any team in any inning
+70 run diff, 11 runs better than any other team in any inning
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 13, 2023
Diamondbacks @ Rockies, 8:41 PM EST
Today’s second play targets game one of a three-game set between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The formula in this one is very simple. The starting pitcher for the D-Backs, Merrill Kelly, has been very good this season. The starting pitcher for the Rockies, Chris Flexen, has been one of the worst in the league. Through 20 starts he sports a 7.92 ERA, allowing 50 runs through 55 2/3 innings. Additionally, after a miserable start to their August, the Serpientes seem to be on the upswing after stealing two games back-to-back off of the San Diego Padres.
The Pick: Diamondbacks F5 -0.5 (-138) 1U
Diamondbacks F5 -1.5 (+114) 0.5U
Rays @ Giants, 9:46 PM EST
Our final play of the day comes in a matchup between two teams in the thick of their respective wild card races. The San Francisco Giants host the Tampa Bay Rays, two teams that have virtually no history together. They have only faced off a total of 15 times since 2002. The Giants lead the all-time series 8-7 to this point, but they will have a tough time today for a few reasons. First is the combination of opposing pitcher Tyler Glasnow, and the Giants lineup’s major weakness. Glasnow is averaging 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings. The Giants are averaging 10.33 strikeouts in their last three games, and 9.42 overall in 2023. Both figures are fourth worst in the majors. Additionally, the Giants will not be rolling out a true starter, instead they will be pitching a bullpen game.
The Pick: PPD Tyler Glasnow 6+ Ks / Rays to Win (+105) 1U
Tyler Glasnow 8+ Ks (+104) 0.5U
Best Bets Record
Day 27 Recap: Throwing Darts 3-6 (+1.41u)
Lynn 7+ Ks / Dodgers -1.5 
KERRY CARPENTER HR (+680)
(Jesus was a carpenter y’know)
Yordan Alvarez 1+ RBI
Overall: 62-70-8 (+1.91U)
Yesterday: 3-6-0 (+1.41U)
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Merrill Kelly, Chris Flexen, Tyler Glasnow, Kerry Carpenter, Yordan Alvarez
The post Spencer’s Best Bets for Baseball: August 14th appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.