The Washington Nationals (9-19) and Los Angeles Angels (18-10) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set Saturday at Angel Stadium. First pitch is set for 9:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs. Angels nickname odds with MLB picks and predictions.
The Angels captured the season-series opener 3-0 Friday.
The Nationals are 3-4 over the first 7 games of a 9-game road trip that wraps up Sunday. Washington had scored 7 runs or more in 4 of its 6 games prior to Friday’s shutout but is ranked 17th in the league with 4.07 runs per game on the season. The Nats’ struggles have come on the bump as they are tied for 28th in the league with 5.25 runs allowed per game.
The Angels have recorded 3 consecutive victories and have won 7 of their last 10 games. L.A. has been excellent at the plate (4.68 runs per game, T-4th) and on the mound (3.61 runs allowed per game, 8th) en route to holding a 1.5-game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West.
Nationals at Angels projected starters
RHP Josiah Gray vs. RHP Michael Lorenzen
Gray (3-2, 3.12 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.31 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 through 26 IP.
- Has allowed 4 earned runs in 2 of his 5 starts, and 1 or 0 earned runs in the other 3 outings.
- Has benefited from an above-average 84.4 LOB% which has helped mitigate some early-season control issues.
Lorenzen (3-1, 3.04 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 5.3 K/9 through 23 2/3 IP.
- Picked up his 3rd win at the Chicago White Sox Sunday with 8 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 2 BB and 2 K.
- Has a .286 opponents batting average and 5.70 FIP across 53 plate appearances against current members of the Nationals from his time with the Cincinnati Reds.
Nationals at Angels odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:01 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Nationals +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Angels -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (-155) | Angels -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)
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Nationals at Angels picks and predictions
Prediction
Angels 6, Nationals 4
Money line
Gray has been too inconsistent early in the season to put much faith in him delivering a solid performance for sure, and the Nationals bullpen has had some rocky performances.
Lorenzen has toiled through two rough seasons where he’s dealt with injury but appears to be thriving with a fresh start in Los Angeles.
The Angels have a major edge at the plate here and while the line is creeping up you can still BET ANGELS (-160) to take this game on suspicions that Gray won’t be able to shut down a prolific hitting team.
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Run line/Against the spread
I never like to get too carried away with run lines but this seems like a good spot to place a partial-unit wager on the ANGELS -1.5 (+125) to catch some plus-money value. The Angels are 6-6 ATS as home favorites and the Nationals are 6-6 ATS as road underdogs.
L.A. should have the edge in starting pitching and at the plate, and a small edge with its relief corps as well.
Over/Under
I do believe this game goes Over 8.5 (-122) runs, but I have outstanding concerns.
Gray’s ability to limit runs has been flashed, and he’s got major strikeout upside. The Nationals also haven’t been terrific at the plate despite looking better over the last week, and if Lorenzen is on point at all they just may not do their part to help this get there.
It’s a PASS for me.
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