Washington Nationals at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Washington Nationals at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Nationals (26-39) and Houston Astros (38-29) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nationals vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 1-0

The Nationals lost 6-1 as +215 underdogs at the Astros Tuesday. Washington has lost 7 of 8 games and is in last place in the NL East.

The Astros closed as -239 home favorites in Tuesday’s win. The defending World Series champions have not won back-to-back contests since June 3 and sit 3.5 games behind the Texas Rangers for the lead in the AL West.

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Nationals at Astros projected starters

RHP Josiah Gray vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Gray (4-5, 3.00 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.40 WHIP, 4.6 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 72 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K in a 3-2 loss at Atlanta Braves Friday
  • Only career start vs. Astros: Loss, 6 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in a 6-1 loss at home May 13, 2022

Valdez (6-5, 2.36 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 84 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 5 K in a 3-2 loss at Toronto Blue Jays Thursday
  • Only career start vs. Nationals: Win, 7 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 6 K May 13, 2022

Nationals at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:16 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Nationals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Astros -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (+100) | Astros -1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Nationals at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Nationals 3

Moneyline

PASS.

The Astros (-250) should win as big home favorites, but there’s no need to pay the higher price on the moneyline when Houston should win by multiple runs. Bet the run line and/or the total instead.

Run line/Against the spread

BET ASTROS -1.5 (-120).

Houston is 4-0 in its last 4 interleague games vs. teams with a losing record and its last 12 wins have been by multiple runs. Eight of Washington’s last 9 losses have been by 2 or more runs and the Nationals should struggle to keep it close with their disadvantage at starting pitcher.

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Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-115).

Houston has had no problems scoring runs against inferior competition lately as the Over is 4-1 in Houston’s last 5 games vs. teams with a losing record. These teams tend to play high-scoring games vs. each other in Houston, with the Over hitting in 5 of the last 6 meetings, and Wednesday’s matchup should be more of the same.

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