The Washington Nationals (12-17) and Boston Red Sox (10-22) tangle Saturday in Fenway Park at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nationals-Red Sox MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Nationals at Red Sox: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Anibal Sanchez vs. RHP Chris Mazza
Sanchez has posted a 1-3 record, 6.48 ERA and 1.72 WHIP with 19 strikeouts across 25 innings over five starts.
- Sanchez has made two appearances against AL East foes, going 0-2 with a 8.02 ERA and four home runs allowed in 10 1/3 innings over two starts.
- Sanchez was sharp last time out, however, recording his first quality start of the season Aug. 23 vs. the Miami Marlins. He allowed just one earned run, five hits and no walks across seven innings for his first win.
Mazza has 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in 5 2/3 innings in one start and one relief appearance.
- This will be just the second start of Mazza’s MLB career, and the 12th appearance overall in two seasons with the New York Mets and Red Sox.
- Boston’s pitching staff ranks dead-last in the majors with a 6.18 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
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Nationals at Red Sox: Key injuries
(List of injuries around the league)
Nationals
- 2B Starlin Castro (wrist) out
Braves
- OF Andrew Benintendi (ribs) out
- 2B Dustin Pedroia (knee) out
Nationals at Red Sox: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:20 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Nationals 9, Red Sox 6
Moneyline (ML)
The NATIONALS (-112) haven’t exactly lit the world afire in defense of their world title, but a key to why they were able to go on a championship run in 2019 was winning on the road. They’re still 16-5 in the previous 21 games away from home dating back to last postseason. They’re 5-1 in the past eight games away from Washington against a left-handed starter.
An $11.20 winning bet on the Nationals (-112) returns a profit of $10.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The NATIONALS (-1.5, +125) should be able to keep the offensive train rolling against the untested Mazza and the league’s worst pitching staff. A double-digit run total isn’t out of the question.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 11 (-110) is the way to be. Washington has hit the Over in seven straight against left-handed starting pitchers, and five in a row as a favorite. The Over is also 5-1-1 in Boston’s past seven at Fenway.
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