Free Picks: Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have fallen ever since their hot-start. As for the Angels, they are learning how tough the AL West really is. But for this opening game, I take a look at a prop bet for one of the best hitters in the MLB. I only need one hit, will Mike Trout come through?

Two teams destined for success, the Angels and Dodgers have taken many Ls in recent games. Friday night, the Dodgers and Angels begin a three-game set in an attempt to turn their recent woes around. 

Every time I make a BetPicks Prediction, the first indicator I look at is starting pitching. Friday evening, Julio Urias will get the start for the Dodgers, while Griffin Canning starts for the Angels.  

Urias is off to an impressive 4-0 to open the 2021 season. He has a staggering 42 strikeouts already, which is tied for 18th in the MLB. 

Canning has turned his season around after an unimpressive start. Through his first four appearances, he tallied an ERA of 8.40. In his last start, Canning tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run. 

For this MLB prediction, I think I am going to go with a proposition bet for this contest. Mike Trout is one of the best hitters in the game, and I want to use his talents for an MLB pick.  

This season, in 27 games played, Trout has been held hitless on just 7 occasions. Trout has mustered up more games with a single hit than without, so I think taking the over in total bases will be your best MLB bet for this game. 

While the total bases prop bet is interesting, it’s important to note that the only way for Trout to rack up total bases is through hits. Advancing on a dropped strike or advancing on a throw will not help his totals. 

This also includes stolen bases, walks, and errors. Basically, I am betting that Trout will have at least one hit in this game.  

For a player that owns one of the best batting averages in the league, I am confident that Trout can poke a single hit to win this bet.  

Trout normally bats third in the lineup, so he will have at least 3 opportunities to pick up a hit. If the Angels are hot at the dish, he’ll have even more opportunities to cash in a base hit. 

Trout is too good. I like Urias, but holding the best hitter in the game hitless is a tall task. I am banking on Trout coming through with at least a single.

• Trout has 11 multi-hit games this season. 
• He has tallied 20 games (of 27) with at least a hit. 
• Trout has a .270 BA against LHP.