The Miami Marlins (10-9) continue a five-game series against the rival Washington Nationals (9-13) Saturday at Nationals Park. The first pitch is slated for 4:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Marlins-Nationals betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Marlins at Nationals: Projected starting pitchers
LHP Daniel Castano vs. RHP Max Scherzer
Castano is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 10 1/3 innings over two starts this season.
- Castano was shaky in his first road assignment against the New York Mets on Aug. 8, allowing five runs – four earned – and two homers across 4 1/3 innings in a loss.
- Castano turned in a quality start last Saturday, yielding just one run, four hits and two walks over six frames in a no-decision.
Scherzer has managed a 2-1 record, 3.71 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over five starts with 39 strikeouts, good for 10th in the league.
- The ace will be looking to bounce back after allowing five earned runs, and three homers, across seven innings in Baltimore on Sunday. Despite the long balls, he still hung on for the victory.
- Scherzer was 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA across 19 1/3 innings in three starts vs. Miami in 2019, but the Fish did hit .291 against him.
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Marlins at Nationals: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
Marlins
- 1B Garrett Cooper (COVID-19) out
- 3B Sean Rodriguez (COVID-19) out
- OF Harold Ramirez (COVID-19) out
- 2B Eddy Alvarez (personal) out
Nationals
- 2B Starlin Castro (wrist) out
- 2B Howie Kendrick (hamstring) questionable
- RP Sean Doolittle (knee) out
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
Marlins at Nationals: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 10:25 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Nationals 5, Marlins 1
Moneyline (ML)
The Nationals (-250) are heavy favorites against the Marlins (+220), as they look to bounce back from a 3-2 loss in the opener. You can’t risk that much on such a little potential return. AVOID, and look to the run line.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The NATIONALS (-1.5, -106) aren’t nearly as risky on the run line, and they’re a good bet with their ace on the hill against a dude making his third-ever start. Roll with the defending champs, who will finally get to double digits in the win column.
New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Nationals -1.5 (-115) will earn a $100 profit if Washington beats Miami by two or more runs.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 6.5 (-110) is the play again after a low-scoring affair on Friday. That Under in the series opener actually broke a 7-0 Over streak for the Nats. The Under is 4-1 in Scherzer’s five outings this season, as he throws up donuts and the Nats back him with very little runs. Washington has posted just 14 total runs in his five starts, with six coming last time out against the O’s.
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