San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The San Francisco Giants (39-23) and Washington Nationals (25-34) meet Saturday at 2:05 p.m. ET for the first game of a double-dip at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Giants vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Kevin Gausman is the projected Game 1 starting pitcher for the Giants. Gausman is 7-0 with a 1.27 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, and 1.9 BB/9 in 77 2/3 IP over 12 starts.

Over his last 5 starts, the veteran righty has logged just 1.1 BB/9 against 12.9 K/9. During that stretch, he’s posted a tidy 0.28 ERA.

RHP Erick Fedde takes the mound for the Nationals. He is 3-4 with a 4.35 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, and 4.1 BB/9 in 39 1/3 IP over 8 starts.

Fedde has been on the COVID-19 Injured List and hasn’t made a Major League start since May 16. He did make a rehab start for Single-A Wilmington on June 5.

MLB betting offers/promotions

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Giants at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:06 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Giants -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Nationals +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Giants -1.5 (+120) | Nationals +1.5 (-145)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Giants 4, Nationals 3

Money line (ML)

This four-game series was to have started Thursday night but that contest was postponed due to rain. The Giants then defeated the Nationals, 1-0, on Friday night. The Saturday doubleheader will be comprised of two 7-inning games.

With the win in the opener, San Francisco has won nine of its last 12 games, and this pitching matchup is very much in the Giants’ favor. Fedde coming off the IL and having six days off since his rehab stint is problematic for Nats’ bettors. Over his career, he’s coughed up an .836 OPS when starting on long rest.

BACK THE GIANTS (-160). 

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the pricey run line action. Stick with the ML play in the 7-frame game environment.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Giants’ offense has been tremendous on the road (.756 OPS heading into the series); the Nats look to be under-performing on their quality of contact and are a decent play to pick up the pace with the bats. With this contest being the first of two on the day, bullpen management also figures to expose some lesser arms if things swing a few runs one way or the other.

BACK THE OVER 6 (-110).

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San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The San Francisco Giants (38-23) and Washington Nationals (25-33) meet Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET for the delayed start of a four-game series at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Giants vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani makes his 13th start for the Giants. DeSclafani is 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA , 1.11 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 66 2/3 IP.

Increases in walks and fly balls have led to the veteran right-hander posting a 9.45 ERA over his last 3 starts. Recent-vintage DeSclafani has been a solid pitcher on the road, owning a 3.62 ERA in his last 144 1/3 road innings.

RHP Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Nationals. Scherzer is 5-4 with a 2.22 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9 in 77 IP across 12 starts.

He has picked up 28 K just 3 BB over his last 3 starts. Four current San Francisco bats have faced Scherzer before and own a .604 OPS against him.

MLB betting offers/promotions

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Giants at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:57 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Giants +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Nationals -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Giants +1.5 (-145) | Nationals -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Nationals 5, Giants 3

Money line (ML)

This series was to have started Thursday night but that contest was postponed due to rain. The series now includes a Saturday doubleheader, so that figures to affect bullpen use in this game.

San Francisco comes in having won seven of its last 10 games. Washington is back in its home environment after a 4-5 road swing.

PASS on the ML, and look for better profit margins elsewhere.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

TAKE WASHINGTON -1.5 (+120). The Scherzer upside/DeSclafani downside combo is likely enough and provides enough margin to make for some run-line value on the Nationals. The Washington bullpen has posted improved analytics over recent weeks.

Over/Under (O/U)

BACK THE OVER 7.5 (-110). Both starters are toting around low batting-average-on-balls-in-play figures with DeSclafani owning a .251 and Scherzer’s .242 coming in even lower. The Giants’ offense has been tremendous on the road (.756 OPS); the Nats look to be under-performing on their quality of contact and are a decent play to pick up the pace with the bats. Also, mix in the possibility of a take-one-for-the-team effort (to save pitching for Saturday) for a long reliever if the game goes sideways either way.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The San Francisco Giants (38-23) visit the nation’s capital Thursday to start a four-game series with the Washington Nationals (25-33) at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Giants vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

San Francisco just split a two-game mini interleague series at the Texas Rangers after losing 4-3 in extra innings Wednesday, but the Giants have won seven of their last 10 games.

Washington wrapped up a nine-game road swing by also splitting a two-game mini interleague series with the Tampa Bay Rays thanks to a 9-7 extra-innings win Wednesday. The Nationals were 4-5 on their road trip.

Season series: 0-0.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani makes his 13th start for the Giants. DeSclafani is 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA (66 2/3 IP, 26 ER), 1.11 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Win, 7-2, in 6 IP with 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB and 4 K vs. the Chicago Cubs last Thursday.
  • vs. Nationals on the current roster: 124 at-bats with a .266/.321/.435 slash line, 30/8 K/BB, 5 HR and 13 RBIs.

RHP Max Scherzer takes the mound for the Nationals. Scherzer is 5-4 with a 2.22 ERA (77 IP, 19 ER), 0.82 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9 across 12 starts.

  • Last outing: Win, 2-1, in 7 2/3 IP with 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 9 K Friday at the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • vs. Giants on the current roster: 100 at-bats with a .170/.215/.390 slash line, 36/6 K/BB, 4 HR and 11 RBIs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Giants at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Giants +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Nationals -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Giants +1.5 (-140) | Nationals -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Prediction

Nationals 7, Giants 2

Money line (ML)

PASS because we are a little late to the party and the price on the Nationals (-190) is too rich for my blood. The game opened at Washington (-164) on most books but has been steamed up to the current number.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

BET the NATIONALS -0.5 (-145) FIRST 5 INNINGS for 1 unit since Washington has an overwhelming edge in starting pitching matchup and Nationals hitters three through six have an .871 OPS or better vs. DeSclafani.

Also, I’d argue DeSclafani’s basic pitching numbers are a little flukey as indicated by his .251 BAbip while he is grading in the 18th percentile in hard-hit rate and 33rd percentile in exit velocity.

Furthermore, DeSclafani’s 9% meatball rate is the highest of his career. To put that in perspective the Philadelphia Phillies pitching staff leads the majors in meatball rate at 7.9%.

The reason why I’m focusing on Washington’s First 5 Innings line is that the Nationals -1.5 (+115) isn’t fat enough and Washington’s bullpen has a worse xFIP and SIERA despite San Francisco’s bullpen ranking 28th in WAR.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS with a slight “lean” on the Over 7.5 (+100) since both bullpens are taxed from playing extra-inning games Wednesday and if either starter can’t eat up a lot of innings then these lineups could both do damage in the late game.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves odds, picks and prediction odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Washington Nationals (21-29) fell to the Atlanta Braves (25-26) on Monday and will look to bounce back Tuesday at 7:20 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Stephen Strasburg is the projected starting pitcher for the Nationals. He is 1-2 with a 4.43 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 and 5.3 BB/9 in 20 1/3 IP over four starts.

Strasburg has made two starts since returning from a shoulder strain, allowing 3 ER in 10 1/3 IP, with a 9/5 K/BB rate.

LHP Max Fried is the projected starting pitcher for the Braves. He is 2-2 with a 4.63 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 35 IP over seven starts.

Fried got off to a rough start this season but has given up exactly 1 ER in each of his last four starts. He has faced the Nationals twice already with mixed results that add up to 6 ER in 7 IP with 9 strikeouts.

MLB betting offers/promotions

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Nationals at Braves odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:02 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nationals +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Braves -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Nationals +1.5 (-185) | home -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Braves 5, Nationals 4

Money line (ML)

The strikeouts and velocity for Strasburg are nowhere near his pre-2020 levels. Strasburg is also allowing a lot of hard contact for the second straight year, with a hard-hit rate of 47.3%.

Fried’s skills have slipped as well, and his recent success has been mainly due to an overcorrection on BABIP, from .513 in April to .230 in May.

But, Fried has the better offense supporting him and is facing a team that is 8-14 on the road this year.

Go with the BRAVES (-135) in this one.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Braves have won 14 games at home this season, with six of those coming by just a single run.

Odds are, this will be another pretty close game, and it is probably best to simply PASS on the total and look elsewhere for value.

Over/Under (O/U)

Atlanta has a 17-9-2 O/U record at home this season and this is a matchup of two big-name pitchers who aren’t at their best right now.

Furthermore, the Nationals rank eighth in wRC+ vs lefties, while the Braves are ninth in the category against right-handed pitching.

Neither team is likely to have a huge day, but both should do their part in pushing this total OVER 8.5 (-105).

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Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Milwaukee Brewers (27-25) go for a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals (21-27) Sunday in Nationals Park at 1:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Brewers vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Milwaukee took both games of the seven-inning doubleheader with Washington Saturday by a combined score of 10-3.

Season series: Brewers 2-0.

RHP Brandon Woodruff makes his 11th start for the Brewers. Woodruff is 3-2 with a 1.41 ERA (64 IP, 10 ER), 0.70 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Win, 5-3, in 7 IP with 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB and 8 K Monday vs. San Diego Padres.
  • Career vs. Nationals (regular season): 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA (18 2/3 IP, 2 ER), 0.70 WHIP and 11.1 K/9 in two starts and two bullpen outings.
    • vs. Nationals on the current roster: 65 at-bats with a .169/.225/.323 slash line, 20/4 K/BB, 3 HR and 7 RBIs.

RHP Max Scherzer is the projected starter for the Nationals. Scherzer is 4-3 with a 2.27 ERA (63 1/3 IP, 16 ER), 0.85 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 12.1 K/9 across 10 starts.

  • Last outing: Loss, 2-1, in 7 IP with 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 9 K vs. Cincinnati Reds Tuesday.
  • Career vs. Brewers (regular season): 2-2 with a 2.29 ERA (51 IP, 13 ER), 0.94 WHIP and 11.8 K/9 over eight starts and one bullpen appearance.
    • vs. Brewers on the current roster: 111 at-bats with a .198/.288/.387 slash line, 40/12 K/BB, 5 HR and 11 RBIs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Brewers at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Brewers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nationals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Brewers +1.5 (-225) | Nationals -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Brewers 4, Nationals 1

Money line (ML)

Scherzer being a probable Hall of Fame starting pitcher is part of the reason why the value is with the BREWERS (+100) and the other part has been the dominance of Milwaukee’s starter so far this season.

Woodruff is one of the few non-Jacob deGrom Cy Young contenders in the National League and he currently ranks third in WAR, first in home runs allowed per nine innings, second in FIP and fourth in hard-hit rate.

Furthermore, Woodruff has nine consecutive quality starts and is leading the major leagues in WHIP and hits allowed per nine innings.

According to Pregame.com, more money and bets have been placed on the Nationals, but Washington’s money line is getting cheaper across most books, which insinuates oddsmakers would want more pro-Nationals action.

In my opinion, the reason behind Washington’s popularity in this spot has less to do with actual baseball handicapping and more to do with the market blindly backing Scherzer, who’s trying to end a Nationals losing streak.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS because Milwaukee’s run line is far too expensive and the Brewers’ alternate line is out of the question given their weak bullpen and Scherzer being on the mound.

Milwaukee’s bullpen was a strength in previous seasons, but this year it ranks 22nd in WAR, 27th in home runs allowed per nine innings and 26th in hard-hit rate.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 6.5 (-115) for a half unit because both starters are aces, Washington’s lineup is average and Milwaukee’s lineup has been terrible thus far.

Also, the Under has cashed in Scherzer’s last four starts at home and Woodruff’s last four on the road vs. a team with a losing record.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Milwaukee Brewers (25-25) play the Washington Nationals (21-25) in Game 2 of their seven-inning doubleheader Saturday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled at 7:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Brewers vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Milwaukee beat the San Diego Padres 6-5 in extra innings Thursday to split a four-game series and is 5-5 in its last 10 games.

Washington split a doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds Thursday. The Nationals lost the three-game set and are 5-5 in their past 10 games.

LHP Brett Anderson is making his eighth start for the Brewers. He is 2-3 with a 4.34 ERA (29 IP, 14 ER), 1.38 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 5.3 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: No-decision in 5 IP with 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB and 3 K Saturday at the Cincinnati Reds.
  • Career vs. Nationals: 0-1 with 5 IP, 7 ER, 3 BB, 10 H and 1 K in one start (2015).
    • vs. Nationals on the current roster: 36 at-bats with a .278/.341/.639 slash line, 8/4 K/BB, 3 HR and 11 RBIs.

LHP Jon Lester is the projected starter for the Nationals. He is 0-2 with a 5.33 ERA (25 1/3 IP, 15 ER), 1.50 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 over five starts.

  • Last outing: No-decision in 4 IP with 6 ER, 5 H, 3 BB and 4 K in Washington’s 12-9 win over the Baltimore Orioles Saturday.
  • Career vs. Brewers: 5-4 with a 3.09 ERA (81 2/3 IP, 28 ER), 1.22 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 across 13 starts.
    • vs. Brewers on the current roster: 147 at-bats with a .347/.392/.469 slash line, 40/11 K/BB, 1 HR and 11 RBIs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Brewers at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Brewers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nationals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Brewers -1.5 (+180) | Nationals +1.5 (-225)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Nationals 4, Brewers 2

Money line (ML)

BET the NATIONALS (-120) for 1 unit because they are much better against left-handed pitching and Washington’s advanced hitting numbers against Anderson are excellent, which gives the Nationals pitching staff a slight edge.

For instance, the Nationals are sixth in wRC+, fourth in wOBA and 10th in hard-hit rate. Also, Anderson has a 7.47 FIP against current Nationals hitters with a .506 xwOBA, .810 expected slugging percentage and a 95.8 mph exit velocity.

Despite Lester being way past his prime and his basic pitching numbers both this year and against the Brewers not being very good, his advanced numbers against this Milwaukee roster gives me confidence he can grind out a win.

Lester has a 2.00 FIP, .437 expected slugging percentage, 25.4% strikeout rate and an 84.9 mph exit velocity against Milwaukee’s roster.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS. Lester, this overall inconsistent Nationals lineup and Washington’s 6-11 run line record as a home favorite are my reasons for staying away.

Over/Under (O/U)

Speaking of Washington’s inconsistent lineup, the Nationals have the highest percentage of Unders in the majors with a 14-29-3 O/U record, which is due to Washington’s batters not hitting as well as expected.

I am convinced enough the Nationals will get to Anderson and Milwaukee’s bullpen to take Washington’s money line, but not convinced enough in either mediocre offense to take the Over.

PASS.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Cincinnati Reds at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Cincinnati Reds at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Cincinnati Reds (20-25) visit the nation’s capital Tuesday to start a three-game set with the Washington Nationals (20-23) at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Reds vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Cincinnati, which is 3-8 in its last 11 games, lost back-to-back games to the Milwaukee Brewers to drop its previous series 2-1 after being swept in a four-game series by the San Francisco Giants.

Washington swept the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series this past weekend and has won seven of the past 11 games.

Season series: 0-0.

RHP Tyler Mahle is on the hill for the Reds. Mahle is 2-2 with a 4.20 ERA (45 IP, 21 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 across nine starts.

  • Last outing: Loss, 19-4, in 2 IP with 7 ER, 7 H, 2 BB and 2 K vs. the Giants Thursday.
  • Career vs. the Nationals: 1-1 with a 12.15 ERA (6 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 2.10 WHIP and 12.2 K/9 over two starts.
    • Vs. Nationals on the current roster: 61 at-bats with a .295/.413/.525 slash line, 15/11 K/BB, 4 HR and 14 RBIs.

RHP Max Scherzer is the projected starter for the Nationals. Scherzer is 4-2 with a 2.24 ERA (56 1/3 IP, 14 ER), 0.85 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 12.1 K/9 across nine starts.

  • Last outing: Win, 4-3, in 5 IP with 2 ER, 5 H, 4 BB and 8 K Wednesday at the Chicago Cubs.
  • Career vs. the Reds: 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA (44 2/3 IP, 10 ER), 0.90 WHIP and 13.7 K/9 over seven starts.
    • Vs. Reds on the current roster: 101 at-bats with a .158/.234/.287 slash line, 45/9 K/BB, 3 HR and 9 RBIs.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Reds at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:39 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Reds +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Nationals -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Reds +1.5 (-145) | Nationals -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Nationals 8, Reds 1

Money line (ML)

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Nationals (-175) since I’d entertain throwing Washington’s money line into a parlay with another similarly priced favorite for a plus-money payout.

However, outright I’m going to stay away because of how inconsistent Washington’s lineup has been thus far and 2021 baseball being a three-outcome sport (walk, strikeout or home run).

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

BET the NATIONALS -1.5 (+120) for 1 unit because of their overwhelming starting pitching edge and their lineup should be able to add to any lead against Cincinnati’s weak bullpen.

Scherzer’s basic pitching numbers against this Cincinnati lineup are awesome and his advanced pitching numbers are even more impressive.

Statcast tracked 45 plate appearances by Reds on the current roster vs. Scherzer and he has an absurd 51.1% strikeout rate with a 1.58 FIP and .223 wOBA.

Mahle’s advanced pitching numbers vs. this Washington roster is even more worrisome than his basic stats.

Mahle has a 6.68 FIP with a .385 wOBA and just a 20.8% strikeout rate against the Nationals (72 plate appearances).

Furthermore, Cincinnati relievers are 23rd in both WAR and SIERA, 22nd in home runs allowed per nine innings and 28th in xFIP.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS with a “lean” to the Under 7.5 (-105) despite what my predicted score is because Scherzer is on the mound and Washington has the highest Under percentage. However, Cincinnati has the highest Over percentage.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Washington Nationals (17-22) and Chicago Cubs (21-21) meet for a Thursday matinee (2:20 p.m. ET) to close out a four-game series at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Joe Ross is the projected starting pitcher for the Nationals.  Ross is 2-3 with a 5.80 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, and 4.3 BB/9 in 35 2/3 IP over 7 starts.

The Nats right-hander is looking to bounce back from a shaky four-frame outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday (8 runs allowed on 8 hits and 3 walks).

RHP Trevor Williams is the projected starter for the Cubs. He is 2-2 with a 6.27 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, and 4.9 BB/9 in 33 IP over 8 starts.

Like Ross, Williams is also looking to rebound from an iffy start in his last. He was pulled after 2 IP in Detroit on Saturday. He has allowed 11 runs in his last 8 2/3 IP. Albeit in a small dose, current Washington bats own a .996 OPS against Williams.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

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Nationals at Cubs odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nationals +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Nationals +1.5 (-185) |  Cubs -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: 10 ( O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Nationals 5, Cubs 4

Money line (ML)

The Cubs took the first two games of the series by scores of 7-3 and 6-3. Washington battled back with a 4-3 win on Wednesday.

The Nats offense has performed well on the road with a high-contact .729 OPS and overall has Statcast figures that tell the story of a team hitting the ball better than the production shows in the scoring column. The Cubs’ Statcast numbers swing the other way.

Add in a strength-of-schedule component that calls for a Chicago fade.  BACK WASHINGTON (+105).

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on a juice-drowned run line.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has gotten some attention early with lesser starters on the bump and with a 12-mile-an-hour breeze out to left in the weather forecast.

But a bit more respect for the starters than what shows in surface stats, Chicago’s quality bullpen (and one that generates a lot of ground balls), and the state of Major League Baseball in 2021 make for some contrarian bent here.

TAKE the UNDER 10 (-105).

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Philadelphia Phillies (20-17) vs. Washington Nationals (13-19) match up Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Phillies vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Zach Eflin is the projected starting pitcher for the Phillies. He is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 and 0.6 BB/9 in 45 1/3 IP over seven starts. Eflin has gone at least 6 IP in every start this season and has walked a total of just three batters. In his last three starts, he has recorded an outstanding 23/1 K/BB in 19 1/3 IP.

LHP Patrick Corbin is the projected starting pitcher for the Nationals. He is 1-3 with a 7.36 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 6.1 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in 29 1/3 IP over six starts. Corbin has had just one good start all year, which he tossed six shutout innings against St. Louis. In the two starts before that, he allowed 15 ER in 6 1/3 IP, and in three starts since has served up six homers with a 9/7 K/BB in 17 IP.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Phillies at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Phillies -110 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nationals -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Phillies -1.5 (+150) | Nationals +1.5 (-185)
  • Over/Under: 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Phillies 7, Nationals 3

Money line (ML)

Of all pitchers who have thrown 20 or more innings this season, Corbin is among the three worst in both ERA and FIP, at 7.36 and 7.81, respectively. While the Phillies have whiffed at the 3rd highest rate vs lefties, they are middle of the pack in terms of production (17th in wRC+, 15th in OPS).

Meanwhile, the Nationals do have OF Juan Soto back now, but he may not be enough to completely resurrect an offense that is 27th in wRC+ vs RHP as well as in runs per game. Lock in the PHILLIES -110.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Corbin has been a mess this season, as he leads the league in earned runs allowed, and his Statcast page is all blue. The Philadelphia offense is averaging 6.2 runs per game in their last five contests and should keep rolling against the struggling left-hander. The PHILLIES -1.5 (+150) are a solid value.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has hit in four of Corbin’s six starts to this point, and there is little reason to believe he’s about to turn things around, given his poor skills. On the other side, Eflin is likely to deliver a pretty strong outing, but the Washington offense should still push across a few runs. Siding with OVER 8 (-115) is the smart play here.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Philadelphia Phillies (19-17) and Washington Nationals (13-18) continue a three-game NL East series Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Phillies vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Zack Wheeler is the projected starting pitcher for the Phillies. He is 3-2 with a 2.83 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, and 2.3 BB/9 in 47 2/3 IP over 7 starts.

This season Wheeler has upped his strikeouts while generating manageable contact. He has a would-be career-best 12.8% swinging-strike rate. Current Washington bats own a .667 OPS against him, and the Nationals are pegged to their lesser platoon numbers when facing right-handed pitching (.669 OPS).

LHP Jon Lester is the projected starter for the Nationals. In 2 starts, Lester is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, and 3.6 BB/9 in 10 IP.

Current Philadelphia batters have pounded Lester in past meetings (.899 OPS).

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Phillies at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Phillies -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Nationals +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Phillies -1.5 (+110) |  Nationals +1.5 (-135)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Nationals 6, Phillies 3

Money line (ML)

Figure the Nats as being a value in general right now but perhaps not with Lester on the mound Wednesday.

PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Over is likely the best play in this contest. Heading into this series, Washington had a .748 OPS over the last two weeks; Philly had a .635 mark. Wheeler is coming off a season-high 118 pitches in his last.

Consider a partial-unit play on the NATIONALS -1.5 (+110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Much more is expected from both these offenses. Both have had a tough slate of opposing pitchers so far.

BACK THE OVER 8.5 (-105).

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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