5* 21-0 MLB *BEST BET* on Washington Nationals +101

Washington vs. Miami, 07/14/2012 19:10 EDT, Score: 1 - 2

Money Line: +101 Washington

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

I'll take Gio Gonzalez and the underrated Washington Nationals at this price almost every single time. Washington is now 50-34 on the season as they sit in first place in the NL East, and they aren't going anywhere.

Gonzalez has been nothing short of spectacular this season, going 12-3 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.111 WHIP in 17 starts. The left-hander is a K machine, striking out 118 batters over 101 2/3 innings. Miami is a team that strikes out a ton, which bodes well for him considering Gonzalez is 10-1 against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season.

Mark Buehrle is 8-8 with a 3.25 ERA and 1.126 WHIP this season, so he's obviously having a good year for the Marlins as well. But the left-hander is 1-0 with a 6.23 ERA and 1.462 WHIP in two career starts against the Nationals. Meanwhile, Gonzalez is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.500 WHIP in one career start against the Marlins.

The Nationals are 4-0 in their last 4 games as an underdog. Washington is 7-0 in Gonzalez's last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Nationals are 6-0 in Gonzalez's last 6 road starts. Washington is 4-0 in Gonzalez's last 4 Saturday starts. Take the Nationals.