Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Prediction and Betting Odds August 12
Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
WagerTalk MLB analyst Brian Ochsner offers his analysis of Friday’s Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins clash at Angel Stadium. The Angels have won three straight with the Twins losing three straight heading into their series opener. And, don’t forget, at WagerTalk you can always find the best NFL bets today updated constantly.
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| Friday, August 12 | MLB Betting Notes, Courtesy of Caesars |
|---|---|
| Moneyline: | Los Angeles Angels +115 vs Minnesota Twins -130 |
| Runline: | Angels +1.5 (-155) / Twins -1.5 (+135) |
| Total: | 8 Runs (Over -105 / Under -115) |
| Game Time: | 9:38pm ET / 6:38pm PT |
| Where: | Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA |
| Weather: | 80 Degrees / Clear |
Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Analysis
The Los Angeles Angels host the Minnesota Twins Friday night in the first of a three game set. The Halos are coming off a seven-game road trip where they split four with the Mariners and swept three from the A’s in Oakland.
The Twins played a quick two game set in LA where they got swept by the Dodgers. Tyler Mahle will get the start for Minnesota and Patrick Sandoval will take the bump for the Angels. First pitch is scheduled for 9:38 PM EDT.
The Twins are in the playoff hunt, just 1.0 game out of the final wild card spot at 57-53, while the Angels are playing out another disappointing season at 49-63, 10.0 games out in the wild card race.
Mahle Better Off With Twins
Minnesota picked up Tyler Mahle from the Reds to bolster their starting rotation. His numbers on the year aren’t that great with a 5-7 ERA, a 4.49 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.
However, one reason for these inflated stats is that he pitched about half his games in what could be the second most hitter friendly park in baseball, the Great American Ballpark (some have called it the “Smallpark”).
Offense has carried this team as they have the 10th best OPS in baseball, are 6th best in OPS and sport the 7th highest team batting average versus right-handers this year.
The long ball is their calling card at the plate, with the 5th most home runs in MLB. Pitching has been fair-to-middlin’ with a 20th best ERA and 19th best bullpen ERA.
So You’re Saying There’s A Chance?
While they haven’t lived up to expectations this season, they’re still not totally out of the playoff hunt. They’ve played much better in August and are within shouting distance of the last playoff spot.
The Angels will have to continue playing really good ball – and hope enough other teams falter down the stretch – but I am sayin’ there’s a chance this team could make the postseason. Not a great chance, but a chance nonetheless.
The Halos’ pitching has been decent with a 13th lowest staff ERA and WHIP, their bullpen ERA is 17th best. And their staff has allowed the 13th least number of runs. The Angels’ hurlers have performed much better in August with a 2.54 ERA in 10 games.
Patrick Sandoval has been a bright spot for LA this season. He’s posted a 3-7 record with a 3.41 ERA with a higher-than-normal 1.47 WHIP. Pitchers with this kind of WHIP normally don’t have a sub-4.00 ERA, but the right-hander has managed to pull this feat off.
Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Prediction
Minnesota is a slight favorite, but isn’t in good current form after the two games they lost to the Dodgers. However, the Angels haven’t played well at home, sporting a 24-32 record.
This will also be the first time each lineup has faced the opposing pitcher this season. Mahle has pitched better on the road this year and has to be glad to be out of Cincinnati.
I think both starters can keep the opposing lineups in check for the first half of the game, that’s why I’ll take the 1st 5 innings under 4 runs scored.
Prediction: 1st 5 Innings Under 4 Total Runs Scored
First Pitch | MLB Predictions for Friday, August 12
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Meet the Author
Brian Ochsner graduated from Kansas State University with degrees in Accounting and Agribusiness. He’s a life-long baseball fan and “numbers guy” who tolerates the Colorado Rockies (bad ownership), and is a Denver Broncos and Kansas State Wildcats fan. Along with his interest in the sports wagering industry, he enjoys eating good BBQ, reading books on marketing, finance and economics, and playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker.
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