The Washington Nationals’ recent form and player performance

The Atlanta Braves’ recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Washington Nationals

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Atlanta Braves

Recent betting trends in games played between the Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals game

Washington Nationals Preview

The Washington Nationals have a 22-27 record this season and are sitting in 4^th place in the NL East. The Nationals have an 11-12 home record and are 23-24 in over/under. They are coming off a 5-3 home victory over the Braves and have four consecutive wins. Under is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, and are playing the Giants and the Mariners next.

The Nationals have a .242 batting average this season, a .312 OBP, and a .390 Slugging percentage. Washington’s pitching staff has a 5.24 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. James Wood leads the Nationals with 53 hits and a team-high 12 home runs. Nathaniel Lowe leads the team in RBI with 34, while CJ Abrams is the team’s best hitter with a .312 batting average.

Trevor Williams (R) will take the mound for the Nationals, and he has a 2-5 record, 5.91 ERA, and 1.53 WHIP. He has been slightly better at home with a 5.48 ERA across four home starts, but he has given up 3+ runs in his last four starts. In his previous start against the Braves this season, he gave up 3 runs in 4.1 innings of work, and he has a 3-2 record with an ERA of 3.50 and 56 strikeouts in 12 appearances versus the Braves in his career.

Atlanta Braves Preview

The Atlanta Braves have a 24-24 record this season and are sitting in third place in the NL East. The Braves have a 9-17 road record and 18-26 in over/under. They are coming off a 3-5 road defeat by the Nationals, and are 5-3 in their last 8 games. Under is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and are playing the Padres and the Phillies next.

The Braves have a .246 batting average this season, a .318 OBP, and a .390 Slugging percentage. Atlanta’s pitching staff has a 3.78 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Austin Riley leads the Braves with 56 hits, adding a team-high 28 RBI, and he is the team’s best hitter with a .283 batting average. Matt Olson adds a team-high 10 home runs.

AJ Smith-Shawver (R) will take the mound for the Braves, and he has a 3-2 record, 2.33 ERA, and 1.24 WHIP. He has been weaker on the road with a 3.15 ERA across four road starts, and he is in terrific form lately, with just one earned run in 19.2 innings pitched across three starts. In his previous start against the Nationals this season, he had a shutout performance in 6 innings pitched.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won each of their last four games as underdogs.
• The Braves have lost four of their last five games as road favorites against National League opponents.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight night games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last four games.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in nine of their last 11 home night games.
• The Braves have lost the first inning in four of their last five night games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in each of their last six night games at Nationals Park against NL East opponents.

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Braves have won each of their last 10 night games at Nationals Park following a loss.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last nine Thursday night home games against NL East opponents.
• The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last five road games against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games following a home win.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in six of their last seven home games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in 10 of their last 11 games against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Braves’ last seven road games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Nationals’ last seven games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last four games as road favorites against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Nationals’ last seven night games against National League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Nationals rank 27th in the league for ERA this season (5.24).
• The Nationals rank 27th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.267).
• The Braves rank 5th in the league for hits allowed this season (365).
• The Braves rank 9th in the league for runs allowed this season (186).

Braves vs Nationals Prediction

The Braves are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings against the Nationals, but the Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 meetings in Washington. Under is 8-1-1 in their last 10 meetings.

In this Braves vs Nationals Prediction, the Braves are coming as -155 road favorites. The Braves have a slightly better overall record, but have been terrible on the road, and the Nationals have been mediocre at home. The Nationals are currently on a winning streak, but they have the pitching disadvantage and also have the second-worst bullpen in the MLB.

AJ Smith-Shawver is looking unhittable in his last three starts, and don’t expect a bottom-10 offense to get to him. The Braves have been consistently hitting righties better than the Nationals, so everything points to an easy Braves road win in this one. Take the Atlanta Braves on the runline.

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Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 22-27 this season after they won game one by a score of 5-3 last night. Washington scored three runs in the first inning and took the lead for good in the second inning for the win. The Nationals recorded eight hits in the game, and they were led by Lowe, Ruiz, Garcia Jr., and Crews, who all had one RBI in the win. Washington started Parker, who allowed six hits and three earned runs in the win, while Finnegan picked up the save. 

Prior to this series, the Nationals swept the Orioles in three games, but lost three out of four against the Braves before that. Washington has won four games in a row, and they are currently fourth in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.24 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and a .267 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 212 runs with a .242 batting average and a .312 on-base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 12 home runs and 30 RBIs, while Nathaniel Lowe has added eight home runs and 34 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Trevor Williams, who is 2-5 with a 5.91 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP over 45.2 innings pitched this season. 

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 24-24 this year after they dropped game one in this series on Tuesday night. Atlanta scored three runs in the second inning to tie the game at three, but went scoreless over the final seven innings for the loss. The Braves recorded seven hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Olson, White, and Harris II, who all had one RBI in the loss. Atlanta started Strider, who allowed six hits and four earned runs over 4.1 innings for the loss, while Lee allowed two hits and one earned run in one relief inning. 

Prior to this series, the Braves won two out of three against the Red Sox and three out of four against the Nationals. Atlanta has won three of their last five games, and they are currently third in the NL East standings. The Atlanta pitching staff has a 3.78 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and a .233 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 198 runs with a .246 batting average and a .318 on-base percentage this year. Austin Riley has led Atlanta with eight home runs and 28 RBIs, while Matt Olson has added 10 home runs and 26 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is AJ Smith-Shawver, who is 3-2 with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP over 38.2 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Braves will beat the Nationals

• The Braves have won each of their last 10 night games at Nationals Park following a loss.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last six night games against the Braves at Nationals Park following a home win.
• The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last five road games against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games following a home win.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in six of their last seven home games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in 10 of their last 11 games against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Braves’ last seven road games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Nationals’ last seven games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last four games as road favorites against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Nationals’ last seven night games against National League opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• CJ Abrams has recorded at least one hit in each of the Nationals’ last nine home games against NL opponents.
• Amed Rosario has recorded at least one Single in each of his last seven appearances against NL East opponents.
• Josh Bell has scored at least one run in each of his last four home appearances against the Braves after playing the previous day.
• CJ Abrams has hit a home run in three of the Nationals’ last six games against the Braves.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one RBI in each of the Nationals’ last three games.
• Trevor Williams has recorded five or more strikeouts in six of his last seven home appearances.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Michael Harris has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 11 road appearances against NL East opponents.
• Alex Verdugo has recorded at least one Single in each of his last six road appearances against the Nationals after playing the previous day.
• Matt Olson has scored at least one run in each of the Braves’ last six road games.
• Matt Olson has hit a home run in each of the Braves’ last three night games against opponents that held a losing record.
• Michael Harris has recorded at least one RBI in seven of the Braves’ last eight road games against NL opponents that held a losing record.

Nationals vs Braves Prediction 

Washington was able to pick up a nice win in game one of this series, and they have won four games in a row. The Nationals are 11-12 at home this year, while the Braves are 9-17 on the road. Atlanta has had plenty of struggles on the road, but their offense is starting to wake up, and they are getting healthier. The Braves are starting Smith-Shawver, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five straight starts. The Nats are going with Williams, who has allowed four earned runs or more in three of his last four. Take the Braves here. 

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Starting Pitching Matchup

The Atlanta Braves did not have a starting pitcher announced at the time that this article was posted. The Washington Nationals will trot out Mitchell Parker for the start here, and Parker is 3-3 with a 4.32 ERA and 32 strikeouts this season. In his career, Parker is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA and 14 strikeouts against the Braves.

Atlanta Braves Recap

The Atlanta Braves come into this game looking to build on their series win over the Boston Red Sox, thanks to picking up a 10-4 win in Sunday’s finale to improve to 24-23 on the year. After this series, the Braves will head home for a series against the San Diego Padres.

Braves Win 5 Of Their Last 7

Austin Riley leads the Braves with 56 hits, including 8 home runs, 28 RBIs, and 8 doubles, but also has the dubious distinction of leading Atlanta with 57 strikeouts so far this season. Ozzie Albies has 42 hits with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs in addition to 5 stolen bases, and Matt Olson has 41 hits with 8 doubles, 9 home runs, and 25 RBIs of his own. Marcell Ozuna also has 40 hits with 8 home runs and 22 RBIs. Michael Harris II also has 40 hits with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs, and 26 RBIs, and 7 stolen bases as well, and Nick Allen has 6 stolen bases as well this season.

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Nationals have lost each of their last eight night games against the Braves at Nationals Park following a win.
• The Braves have won each of their last 25 Tuesday night games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight night games following a road win.
• The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last seven Tuesday games against NL East opponents.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Sean Murphy has recorded a Double in three of his last four road appearances against NL opponents.
• Michael Harris has recorded at least one RBI in six of the Braves’ last seven road games against NL opponents that held a losing record.
• Austin Riley has recorded at least one Single in each of the Braves’ last nine night games against NL opponents that held a losing record.
• Michael Harris has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 road appearances against NL East opponents.
• Orlando Arcia has hit a home run in three of his last four appearances in night games against NL East teams that held a losing record.
• Ronald Acuna Jr. has scored at least one run in seven of his last eight road appearances after not playing the previous day.
• Marcell Ozuna ranks 4th amongst qualified players for On Base Percentage (.420) this season.

Washington Nationals Recap

The Washington Nationals come into this game looking to build on their series sweep over the Baltimore Orioles after picking up a 10-4 win in Sunday’s final matchup. After this series, the Giants come to Nationals Park for a series.

Nationals Win Three Straight & 4 Of Last 5

Keibert Ruiz has 44 hits with 7 doubles and a pair of home runs with 17 RBIs, while James Wood has 51 hits with 11 doubles and a team-high 12 home runs, along with 30 RBIs and 7 stolen bases while also putting up 57 strikeouts. Nathaniel Lowe has 40 hits with 8 doubles and 33 RBIs, along with 8 home runs and 56 strikeouts. CJ Abrams has 8 home runs and 18 RBIs, along with 9 stolen bases, while Luis Garcia Jr. has 7 doubles and 6 stolen bases of his own this season. Dylan Crews has also logged a team-high 11 stolen bases this season.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Braves have lost each of their last four games as favorites against the Nationals following a road win.
• The Nationals have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as road favorites following a road win.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in four of their last five games.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Nathaniel Lowe has hit a home run in four of his last seven home appearances against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one RBI in each of the Nationals’ last four games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one Single in each of his last eight appearances after not playing the previous day.
• CJ Abrams has recorded at least one hit in each of the Nationals’ last 13 games against NL opponents that held a winning record.
• Amed Rosario has scored at least one run in seven of his last eight appearances at Nationals Park against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• CJ Abrams ranks 5th amongst qualified players for Slugging Percentage (.574) this season.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Braves’ last six road games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Nationals’ last seven games as home underdogs have gone OVER the total runs line.

Nationals vs Braves Prediction

I’m on the Nationals here. I’ve heard rumblings that it could be Spencer Strider who gets the start here, but the thing is that the Nationals have been providing value during this recent run. Furthermore, I keep worrying that the Braves’ offense continues to be hit-and-miss. Parker’s best stuff, more often than not over the better part of his career, has come out at home, and I think the Nationals draw first blood here. Give me Washington.

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Starting Pitching Matchup

The Washington Nationals will send out Michael Soroka for the start here, and Soroka is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA and 15 strikeouts this season. This will be Soroka’s first career start against the Orioles. Baltimore will send out Zach Eflin for the start here, and Eflin is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA and 13 strikeouts this season. In his last five starts against the Nationals, Eflin is 2-2 with a 5.14 ERA and 31 strikeouts.

Washington Nationals Recap

The Washington Nationals come into this game looking to add on to their 10-6 win over the Orioles on Saturday to improve their record to 20-27 on the year. After this series, the Nationals will head home for a division series against the Atlanta Braves.

Nationals Pushing For Sweep

Keibert Ruiz has 43 hits with 7 doubles and a pair of home runs with 16 RBIs, while James Wood has 49 hits with 11 doubles and a team-high 12 home runs, along with 28 RBIs and 6 stolen bases, while also putting up 55 strikeouts. Nathaniel Lowe has 40 hits with 8 doubles and 33 RBIs, along with 8 home runs and 54 strikeouts. CJ Abrams has 6 home runs and 16 RBIs along with 9 stolen bases, while Luis Garcia Jr. has 7 doubles and 6 stolen bases of his own this season. Dylan Crews has also logged a team-high 11 stolen bases this season.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• • The Orioles have lost each of their last seven games as home favorites.
  • The underdogs have won each of the Orioles’ last five games.
  • The Orioles have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight games following a home loss.
  • The underdogs have covered the run line in each of the Orioles’ last seven games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Josh Bell has hit a home run in three of his last four appearances against the Orioles after playing the previous day.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded a Double in three of his last four road appearances against AL opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one RBI in seven of his last eight road appearances against AL opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has scored at least one run in seven of his last eight appearances at Oriole Park at Camden Yards against AL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Michael Soroka has recorded five or more strikeouts in three of his last four appearances against AL opponents.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances at Oriole Park at Camden Yards against opponents that held a losing record.
• Amed Rosario has recorded at least one Single in each of his last six appearances with the Nationals as underdogs.
• James Wood ranks T7th in the league in Home Runs (12) this season.

Baltimore Orioles Recap

The Baltimore Orioles come into this one looking to bounce back from their loss at the hands of the Nats on Saturday, dropping to 15-29 on the year. After this series, the Orioles will head on the road for another interleague series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Orioles Drop 5^th In A Row

Cedric Mullins has 33 hits so far this season as well as 7 doubles, 8 home runs, and 25 RBIs, with 6 stolen bases and a .220 batting average, while Adley Rutschman has 32 hits with 6 doubles, 4 homers, and 11 RBIs. Ryan Mountcastle has 34 hits with 10 doubles, and Jackson Holliday has 36 hits with 4 doubles, 5 homers, with 16 RBIs. Ryan Mountcastle has 24 hits with 10 doubles, 2 homers, and 14 RBIs, and Gunnar Henderson has a team-high 46 strikeouts as well this season. Ryan O’Hearn also chipped in 35 hits with 4 doubles and 7 home runs with 14 RBIs, and Heston Kjerstad added 4 homers and 14 RBIs.

Why the Baltimore Orioles will win

• The Nationals have lost 10 of their last 11 games against AL East opponents following a road win.
• The Orioles have won three of their last four day games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games against AL East opponents following a road win.
• The Orioles have covered the run line in eight of their last nine Sunday games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.

Baltimore Orioles Player Prop Facts

• Ramon Laureano has recorded a Double in each of his last five appearances against the Nationals.
• Ramon Urias has recorded an RBI in five of his last six appearances against NL East opponents.
• Zach Eflin has recorded a win in three of his last four appearances.
• Ramon Laureano has scored at least one run in seven of his last eight appearances against opponents that held a losing record.
• Zach Eflin has recorded five or more strikeouts in seven of his last eight home appearances against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Ryan Mountcastle has recorded at least one Single in seven of his last eight appearances with the Orioles as favorites.
• Ryan Mountcastle has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 11 appearances in day games against teams that held a losing record.
• Jordan Westburg has hit a home run in four of his last nine home appearances with the Orioles against NL opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Eleven of the Nationals’ last 12 games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Eleven of the Orioles’ last 12 day games as favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.

Orioles vs Nationals Prediction

I’m on the Nationals here. I know Eflin is one of the better options in the Orioles rotation, but right now, that’s not saying a whole lot. The Orioles are in the running for the biggest disappointment through the first third of the season so far. Soroka is far from a world-beater and an ace, but the Nationals have been playing the better baseball in this series, and at this price, I can’t turn them down.

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Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 19-27 on the year and play the Braves, Giants, and Mariners next. The Washington Nationals are batting .237 on the season, have a .307 OBP, and a .377 slugging percentage. The Washington Nationals’ pitching staff has a 5.30 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. James Wood leads the Washington Nationals with 48 hits and 27 RBI, while Keibert Ruiz and CJ Abrams have combined for 81 hits and 30 RBI.

Jake Irvin gets the ball for the Washington Nationals, and he is 2-1 with a 4.00 ERA and 34 strikeouts this season. This will be Irvin’s second career game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview

The Baltimore Orioles are 15-28 on the year and play the Brewers, Red Sox, and Cardinals next. The Baltimore Orioles are batting .230 on the season, have a .299 OBP, and a .383 slugging percentage. The Baltimore Orioles pitching staff has a 5.31 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Gunnar Henderson leads the Baltimore Orioles with 38 hits and 12 RBI, while Ryan O’Hearn and Jackson Holliday have combined for 69 hits and 27 RBI.

Kyle Gibson gets the ball for the Baltimore Orioles, and he is 0-2 with a 13.11 ERA and 9 strikeouts this season. Gibson is 2-4 with a 7.11 ERA and 26 strikeouts in his career against the Washington Nationals.

Why the Baltimore Orioles will win

• The Nationals have lost each of their last 10 games against AL East opponents following a road win.
• The Orioles have won five of their last six day games against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games against AL East opponents following a road win.
• The Orioles have covered the run line in five of their last six day games against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last eight games.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in eight of their last nine day games against AL East opponents that held a losing record.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Orioles have lost each of their last six games as home favorites.
• The underdogs have won each of the Orioles’ last four games.
• The Orioles have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games following a home loss.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in each of the Orioles’ last six games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
• The Orioles have trailed after 3 innings in five of their last six games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Orioles have lost the first inning in three of their last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in five of their last six day games against the Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Baltimore Orioles Player Prop Facts

• Ramon Laureano has recorded a Double in each of his last four appearances against the Nationals.
• Cedric Mullins has recorded at least one Single in seven of his last eight appearances in day games against teams that held a losing record.
• Ramon Laureano has scored at least one run in six of his last seven appearances against opponents that held a losing record.
• Kyle Gibson has recorded five or more strikeouts in each of his last nine appearances in day games against NL teams that held a losing record.
• Cedric Mullins has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 13 appearances in day games against teams that held a losing record.
• Jordan Westburg has hit a home run in four of his last nine home appearances with the Orioles against NL opponents.
• Colton Cowser has recorded at least one RBI in five of his last six appearances with the Orioles as favorites against NL East opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Nathaniel Lowe has hit a home run in each of his last three road appearances against AL opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one RBI in six of his last seven road appearances against AL opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has scored at least one run in six of his last seven appearances at Oriole Park at Camden Yards against AL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one hit in each of his last eight appearances at Oriole Park at Camden Yards against opponents that held a losing record.
• Amed Rosario has recorded at least one Single in each of his last six appearances with the Nationals as underdogs.
• James Wood ranks T7th in the league in Home Runs (12) this season.

Orioles vs Nationals Prediction

The Nationals aren’t world beaters, and Irvin isn’t the most trustworthy pitcher in the world, but it’s all better than what the Orioles have to offer. The Orioles have won two games since May 3 and are burning a hole in bettors’ pockets. Seeing Gibson on the mound doesn’t make anything better, as he’s allowed 23 hits and 17 runs in 11.2 innings. Gibson also has six walks to go with nine strikeouts. It’s time to admit that the Orioles aren’t a good baseball team. Seeing this price is absolutely insane. I’ll gladly back the Nationals and the big plus money. The O’s have been fading material for much of the season and will remain that way until further notice.

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Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview

The Baltimore Orioles are 15-27 this season after they lost all three games against the Twins by scores of 3-6, 6-8, and 0-4. In their game three loss, Baltimore allowed three runs in the third inning, which was enough for the loss, as their offense didn’t do anything. The Orioles recorded six hits in the game, and they were led by O’Hearn, who went 2-4 in the loss. Baltimore started Sugano, who allowed six hits and four earned runs over 6.1 innings for the loss, while Perez and Dominguez combined for 2.2 scoreless innings. 

Prior to that series, the Orioles won two out of three against the Angels, but did lose all three against the Twins before that. Baltimore has lost nine of their last eleven games, and they are currently last in the AL East standings. The Baltimore pitching staff has a 5.34 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP and a .276 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 156 runs with a .226 batting average and a .295 on-base percentage this season. Cedric Mullins has led Baltimore with eight home runs and 25 RBIs, while Ryan O’Hearn has added seven home runs and 14 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Baltimore is Cade Povich, who is 1-3 with a 5.55 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP over 35.2 innings pitched this season. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 18-27 this year after they lost three out of four against Atlanta by scores of 3-4, 2-5, 5-4, and 2-5. In their game four loss, Washington allowed the first four runs in the game and came up short in their late rally. The Nationals recorded six hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Abrams, who went 2-4 with one home run and one RBI in the loss. Washington started Williams, who allowed five hits and three earned runs over 4.1 innings for the loss, while Lopez allowed two hits and one earned run over one inning in relief. 

Prior to that series, the Nationals lost all three against the Cardinals and two out of three against the Guardians. Washington has lost eight of their last nine games, and they are currently fourth in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.37 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP and a .266 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 183 runs with a .238 batting average and a .308 on-base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 11 home runs and 25 RBIs, while Nathaniel Lowe has added seven home runs and 30 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is MacKenzie Gore, who is 2-4 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP over 52.2 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Nationals will beat the Orioles

• The Orioles have lost each of their last five games as home favorites.
• The underdogs have won four of the Orioles’ last five games.
• The Orioles have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in each of the Orioles’ last five games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
• The Orioles have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four home games against opponents that held a losing record.
• The Orioles have lost the first inning in three of their last four games as favorites against NL East opponents.
• The Orioles have trailed after 3 innings in seven of their last eight night games against opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Nationals’ last 10 games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Each of the Orioles’ last six home games against National League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Orioles’ last six games as home favorites against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Nationals’ last eight games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Baltimore Orioles Player Prop Facts

• Gunnar Henderson has hit a home run in two of the Orioles’ last three games against opponents that held a losing record.
• Ramon Laureano has recorded a Double in each of his last three appearances against the Nationals.
• Ramon Laureano has scored at least one run in five of his last six appearances against opponents that held a losing record.
• Ramon Urias has recorded a Single in seven of his last eight home appearances against NL East opponents.
• Ramon Laureano has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 12 appearances in night games against NL teams that held a losing record.
• Colton Cowser has recorded at least one RBI in five of his last six appearances with the Orioles as favorites against NL East opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Jacob Young has recorded at least one Double in three of his four previous appearances in night games against AL East teams that held a losing record.
• CJ Abrams has hit a home run in three of his last four road appearances against opponents that held a losing record.
• Josh Bell has recorded at least one RBI in each of his last four appearances against the Orioles after playing the previous day.
• Josh Bell has scored a run in five of his last six appearances against the Orioles after playing the previous day.
• MacKenzie Gore has recorded seven or more strikeouts in six of his last seven appearances.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one Single in each of his last six appearances with the Nationals as road underdogs against AL opponents.
• Josh Bell has recorded at least one hit in each of his last eight appearances against the Orioles after playing the previous day.

David Racey is 20-12 (63%) in the MLB over the last seven days. Click here for his premium plays for today!

Orioles vs Nationals Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this series really struggling over the last two weeks, but Baltimore will be at home for this matchup. The Orioles are 8-12 at home this year, while the Nationals are 8-15 on the road. Washington has scored two runs or fewer in three of their last five games, and they will go against Povich, who has allowed five earned runs or more in two of his last four starts. Baltimore has been one of the lowest-scoring teams in the MLB this year, and they are facing Gore, who has allowed 4, 1, and 3 earned runs in his last three outings. I don’t like the direction of either team in this matchup, but I will take Gore over Povich. Take the Nats here. 

Read the rest of "Orioles vs Nationals Prediction 5/16/25 MLB Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals (18-26, 8-14 Away) went through their worst stretch of the season, during which they suffered seven consecutive defeats, but snapped it with a 5-4 win in Atlanta on Wednesday. The Nationals lost the series to the Guardians, were swept by the Cardinals, and lost the opening two games of the current series before last night’s victory. Washington came back from a 4-1 deficit to beat the Braves. Mitchell Parker pitched for 4.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing four runs on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Jose Ferrer was credited with the win.

This year, the Nationals average 4.09 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .237/.306/.377 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.42 ERA (28th) and 1.46 WHIP (26th). Nathaniel Lowe leads the Nationals with a .230 batting average, seven home runs, and 30 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Nationals is Trevor Williams, who is 2-4 in eight starts this season, with a 5.88 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 41.1 innings.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves (21-22, 14-7 Home) beat the Reds, lost to the Pirates, and opened this series against the Washington Nationals with a pair of victories. The Braves had a 4-1 lead in Game 3, but the Nats scored four runs in the 7th and 8th innings to snatch a victory. Marcell Ozuna led the team with two RBI, while Bryce Elder pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on five hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Enyel De Los Santos took the loss.

This season, the Braves average 3.95 runs per game (22nd in the MLB) on a .240/.312/.382 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Braves’ staff has a 3.78 ERA (12th) and 1.23 WHIP (12th). Austin Riley leads the Braves with a .287 batting average, eight home runs, and 26 RBI this season.

AJ Smith-Shawver will take the mound for the Braves on Thursday. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 2-2 record in six starts this year with a 2.76 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 32.2 innings.

Why the Braves will cover

• The Nationals have lost seven of their last eight games.
• The Braves have won seven of their last eight games against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Braves have covered the run line in four of their last five games as favorites against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games against the Braves following a road win.
• The Braves have led after 3 innings in three of their last four home games against National League opponents.
• The Braves have led after 5 innings in each of their last four home games.

Total Runs Facts

• Six of the Braves’ last seven day games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Four of the Nationals’ last five games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Nationals’ last nine day games at Truist Park.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last seven Thursday games at Truist Park.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Braves rank T8th in the league for runs allowed this season (169).
• The Braves rank T9th in the league for triples this season (6).
• The Nationals rank 28th in the league for runs allowed this season (238).
• The Nationals rank 27th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.266).

Braves vs Nationals Prediction

The teams have traded victories in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H duels. I am backing the Braves to win Game 4 because I like their start better than Washington’s. AJ Smith-Shawver allowed just five runs in his last four starts and is currently the best starter the Braves have. Trevor Williams, on the other hand, allowed 4+ runs in each of his last three starts – 13 earned runs in total. I believe he will continue to struggle on Thursday, and the Braves’ batter has a solid chance to score multiple runs off Williams early on. This time, the Nats will not come back from behind to win. Back Atlanta to win and cover the run line.

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Before we dive into the Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves game let’s review the rules for the Draftkings MLB single game showdown contest.

Draftkings Single Game Showdown Contest Rules

You have $50,000 to utilize on five players from either team. However, one of those players will be designated as your team captain. The captain accumulates 1.5 times the standard fantasy points. Additionally, the captain is 1.5 times the standard cost of the flex position.

The remaining four players in your lineup will receive the standard fantasy points. Having stated that, it is highly important for you to identify the correct player for your captain position if you hope to win a large field DFS GPP (guaranteed prize pool) showdown contest.

If you have additional questions regarding the rules for the single game showdown contest, I recommend that you check out the Draftkings website for more details.

*I recommend that all readers review the starting lineups for both teams prior to setting your DFS lineup for this one game slate.

Here are my Draftkings picks for tomorrow afternoon’s Nationals vs. Braves matchup.

Draftkings MLB Showdown Picks

Captain-AJ Smith-Shawver, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves $12,400

This Wednesday afternoon, Major League Baseball presents the final game of a four-game National League series featuring the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves.

How are these two teams playing entering tomorrow’s National League game? The Atlanta Braves arrive at the fourth game of this four-game series with the Washington Nationals playing good baseball. The Braves have won seven of the team’s last 11 games played in the 2025 MLB regular season, including a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last week.

In direct contrast to the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Nationals are playing below average baseball entering tomorrow afternoon’s game. More specifically, the Nationals have lost seven of the team’s last eight games played in the 2025 MLB regular season, including a 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals three days ago.

Now that we have determined how both teams are currently playing let’s shift our focus to tomorrow’s game. Talented starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has been a standout performer for the Atlanta Braves this season. With that said, how has Smith-Shawver pitched from a statistical perspective? Let’s review Smith-Shawver’s game data to answer that question.

Through six starts made for the Atlanta Braves this season, starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has compiled a robust 2.75 ERA (Earned Run Average) and a 1.35 WHIP (walks, hits, inning pitched). It should also be noted that Smith-Shawver has amassed 34 strikeouts while allowing 15 walks in 32.2 innings pitched in 2025.

Earlier this month, in the Atlanta Braves 4-0 shutout victory over the Cincinnati Reds, AJ Smith-Shawver certainly pitched at a high level. Let me be more specific. Smith-Shawver pitched eight quality innings striking out five Reds batters while scattering one hit and four walks in the Braves defeat of the Reds.

In my opinion, AJ Smith-Shawver is the most likely player to post the highest number of Draftkings points in tomorrow’s National League game. For that specific reason, I am rolling with Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver at the captain position for this one game MLB Draftkings Showdown contest.

Flex plays I like to play well in this MLB regular game (Draftkings price noted): Trevor Williams, Starting Pitcher (Washington Nationals) $10,400: James Wood, Outfielder (Washington Nationals) $9,200: Austin Riley, Third Baseman (Atlanta Braves) $9,400.

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Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 21-21 this season, and they have won the first two games of this series by scores of 4-3 and 5-2. In their game two win, Atlanta trailed 2-0 early in the game, but they scored the last five runs in the game for the win. The Braves recorded 11 hits in the game, and they were led by Baldwin, who went 3-4 with one home run and two RBIs in the win. Atlanta started Schwellenbach, who allowed four hits and two earned runs over 7.0 innings for the win, while Johnson picked up the save. 

Prior to this series, the Braves lost two out of three against the Pirates, but did win three out of four against the Reds. Atlanta has won seven of their last ten games, and they are currently third in the NL East standings. The Atlanta pitching staff has a 3.78 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and a .230 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 166 runs with a .240 batting average and a .312 on-base percentage this year. Austin Riley has led Atlanta with eight home runs and 26 RBIs, while Sean Murphy has added seven home runs and 17 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is Bryce Elder, who is 2-2 with a 4.97 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP over 38.0 innings pitched this season. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 17-26 this year after they lost game two by a score of 5-2. Washington scored the first two runs in the game, and they were looking solid, but they allowed runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings for the loss. The Nationals recorded five hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Abrams, who went 1-4 with one home run and one RBI in the loss. Washington started Soroka, who allowed four hits and two earned runs over 4.0 innings, while Lord allowed five hits and two earned runs over 2.0 innings for the loss. 

Prior to this series, the Nationals lost all three against the Cardinals and two out of three against the Guardians. Washington has lost seven games in a row, and they are currently fourth in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.42 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP and a .267 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 176 runs with a .237 batting average and a .306 on-base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs, while Nathaniel Lowe has added seven home runs and 29 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Mitchell Parker, who is 3-3 with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 45.1 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Braves will beat the Nationals

• The Nationals have lost each of their last seven games.
• The Braves have won each of their last four games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight night games against NL East opponents following a road loss.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last eight games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in 10 of their last 12 games as underdogs against National League opponents.

Why the Nationals will beat the Braves

• The Nationals have won seven of their last eight Wednesday games as underdogs against the Braves.
• The Braves have lost three of their last four games as favorites against NL East opponents following a home win.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last six Wednesday games at Truist Park.
• The Braves have lost the first inning in three of their last four home games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in four of their last five home games against opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the last six games between the Nationals and Braves at Truist Park have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Each of the Nationals’ last four games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the last 11 night games between the Nationals and Braves.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Nationals’ last five night games against National League opponents.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Austin Riley has recorded an RBI in four of the Braves’ last five games against NL East opponents.
• Austin Riley has recorded at least one Single in each of the Braves’ last nine night games against opponents that held a losing record.
• Austin Riley has scored at least one run in each of his last six Wednesday night appearances at Truist Park.
• Alex Verdugo has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances against the Nationals after playing the previous day.
• Orlando Arcia has hit a home run in three of his last four appearances in night games against NL East teams that held a losing record.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• CJ Abrams has hit a home run in two of the Nationals’ last three games against the Braves.
• Amed Rosario has recorded an RBI in four of his last five appearances with the Nationals as underdogs against NL East opponents.
• Keibert Ruiz has scored a run in four of the Nationals’ last five games at Truist Park.
• Jacob Young has recorded at least one Single in each of his last six road appearances against the Braves after playing the previous day.
• Amed Rosario has recorded at least one hit in 14 of his last 15 road appearances against the Braves after playing the previous day.

David Racey is 22-11 (67%) in the MLB over the last seven days. Click here for his premium plays for today!

Braves vs Nationals Prediction 

Washington limps into this contest on a seven-game losing streak, and they are just 7-14 on the road this year. The Nationals have scored two runs or fewer in four of their last five games, while their pitching staff has allowed at least five runs in three of their last five. Washington is starting Parker, who has allowed 4, 5, and 6 earned runs in his last three starts. Atlanta is going with Elder, who has allowed three earned runs or more in three of his last five. Take the over in this game.  

Read the rest of "Braves vs Nationals Prediction 5/14/25 MLB Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 17-25 on the year and play the Orioles, Braves, and Giants next. The Washington Nationals are batting .239 on the season, have a .309 OBP, and a .380 slugging percentage. The Washington Nationals’ pitching staff has a 5.42 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. James Wood leads the Washington Nationals with 44 hits and 24 RBI, while Keibert Ruiz and Nathaniel Lowe have combined for 77 hits and 43 RBI.

Michael Soroka gets the ball for the Washington Nationals, and he is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA and 11 strikeouts this season. This will be Soroka’s first career game against the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 20-21 on the year and play the Red Sox, Nationals, and Padres next. The Atlanta Braves are batting .238 on the season, have a .310 OBP, and a .381 slugging percentage. The Atlanta Braves pitching staff has a 3.82 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Austin Riley leads the Atlanta Braves with 48 hits and 25 RBI, while Michael Harris II and Marcell Ozuna have combined for 72 hits and 40 RBI.

Spencer Schwellenbach gets the ball for the Atlanta Braves, and he is 1-3 with a 3.61 ERA and 43 strikeouts this season. This will be Schwellenbach’s second career game against the Washington Nationals.

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Braves have won each of their last 24 Tuesday night games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last six games.
• The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last six Tuesday games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as underdogs.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last seven games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in 10 of their last 11 games as underdogs against National League opponents.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won five of their last six games as road underdogs against the Braves following a road loss.
• The Braves have lost eight of their last 10 games as favorites against the Nationals following a win.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games.
• The road team has covered the run line in each of the Nationals’ last six games.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in five of their last six games against the Braves at Truist Park.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in five of their last six games against opponents that held a losing record.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Alex Verdugo has recorded a Double in four of his last five appearances with his team as a home favorite against the Nationals.
• Michael Harris has recorded at least one RBI in four of the Braves’ last five games against NL opponents.
• Austin Riley has recorded at least one Single in each of the Braves’ last eight night games against opponents that held a losing record.
• Austin Riley has scored at least one run in each of the Braves’ last four games against NL East opponents.
• Alex Verdugo has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances against the Nationals after playing the previous day.
• Orlando Arcia has hit a home run in three of his last four appearances in night games against NL East teams that held a losing record.
• Marcell Ozuna ranks 4th amongst qualified players for On Base Percentage (.428) this season.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Keibert Ruiz has hit a home run in three of his last seven road appearances against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Jacob Young has scored at least one run in eight of the Nationals’ last nine road games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Nathaniel Lowe has recorded at least one RBI in six of the Nationals’ last seven road games against NL East opponents.
• Michael Soroka has recorded five or more strikeouts in seven of his last nine appearances at Truist Park.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one Single in each of the Nationals’ last seven road games against NL East opponents.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• James Wood ranks T8th in the league in Home Runs (11) this season.

Braves vs Nationals Prediction

The Nationals are watching their season slip away quickly thanks to an offense that doesn’t have much bite. This game isn’t any more encouraging with Soroka on the mound, who has allowed 10 hits and eight runs in 10 innings. Schwellenbach has had his ups and downs this season, but he’s at his best at home, where he has a 2.93 ERA and .254 allowed batting average in 30.2 innings. As I mentioned yesterday, the Braves have to take advantage of a series like this if they’re going to stay in the playoff chase. No excuses in games like this. Give me the Braves, and of course I’ll lay the RL to shave down the price.

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Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals (17-24, 7-12 Away) are going through their worst period of the season after losing the previous five games. Following a series loss to the Guardians, the Cardinals swept the Nationals in three games. In Game 3, a 6-1 defeat, Mackenzie Gore took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in 6.2 innings.

This year, the Nationals average 4.17 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .239/.309/.379 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.45 ERA (28th) and 1.45 WHIP (26th). Nathaniel Lowe leads the Nationals with a .242 batting average, seven home runs, and 29 RBI this season.

Jake Irvin will take the mound for the Nationals on Monday. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 2-1 record in eight starts this year with a 3.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 48.0 innings.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves (19-21, 12-6 Home) have been fairly inconsistent lately; they beat the Rockies, lost to the Dodgers, defeated the Reds, and lost to the Pirates over the last four series. In the most recent 4-3 defeat to Pittsburgh, Sean Murphy drove in all three RBI as a pinch hitter in the 8th inning, while Chris Sale pitched for 5.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits with eight strikeouts and two walks. Raisel Iglesias took the loss.

This year, the Braves average 3.92 runs per game (21st in the MLB) on a .237/.310/.380 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Braves’ staff has a 3.89 ERA (16th) and 1.25 WHIP (15th). Austin Riley leads the Braves with a .283 batting average, eight home runs, and 25 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Braves is Grant Holmes, who is 2-3 in seven starts this season, with a 4.58 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 39.1 innings.

Total Runs Facts

• Seven of the Braves’ last eight games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Five of the Nationals’ last six games as underdogs have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last six Monday games at Truist Park.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Nationals’ last 11 road games against NL East opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Braves rank T9th in the league for runs allowed this season (159).
• The Braves rank 21st in the league for runs scored this season (157).
• The Nationals rank 27th in the league for hits allowed this season (366).
• The Nationals rank T26th in the league for walks allowed this season (157).

Braves vs Nationals Prediction

The Nationals won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Braves were better in three of the last five. Washington’s defense has been awful recently, as they have allowed 8+ runs in seven of the last nine games, so I am sure the Braves will know to exploit their weaknesses at home on Monday. Jake Irvin allowed multiple runs in six of his eight starts this year, while Grant Holmes surrendered ten runs in his previous two starts. I trust neither of them, and I think the offenses will have a field day here. Go with Over.

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St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The Cardinals kicked things off this season by sweeping the Minnesota Twins, then lost to the Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates in the next three sets. Series wins over the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros came next, prior to a sweep by the Mets and a set loss to the Braves. The Cardinals then took out Milwaukee in a series and tied Cincinnati. After winning two of three versus the Mets last weekend, St. Louis really got rolling this past week with a sweep over the Pirates. On Friday in their weekend series opener versus the Nationals, St. Louis posted three runs in the eighth inning alone on the way to a blowout shutout 10-0. Wilson Contreras led the offense with three RBI, two hits, and a run. Erick Fedde posted the complete game effort with 9.0 innings, six hits, no walks, and eight strikeouts.

In the Saturday game, the Cardinals scored all their runs in the second inning on the way to a 4-2 victory. Lars Nootbaar put up two RBI, and Alec Burleson had a pair of hits. Starter Andre Pallante put up 7.1 innings with two earned runs on five hits alongside seven strikeouts and no walks.

As a starter for the Sunday finale, the Cardinals are sending out Miles Mikolas. This year, Mikolas is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA in seven starts over 34.0 innings. Mikolas is 65-66 with a 4.17 ERA in 217 games (189 starts).

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight day games against National League opponents following a road win.
• The Nationals have won each of their last eight Sunday games as home favorites against National League opponents.
• The favorites have covered the run line in each of the Nationals’ last four games.
• The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as underdogs after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in each of their last six games as home favorites against National League opponents.

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win

• The Cardinals have won each of their last seven games.
• The Nationals have lost four of their last five games as favorites against NL Central opponents following a loss.
• The Cardinals have covered the run line in each of their last seven games.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against NL Central opponents following a loss.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last five home games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last five home games against National League opponents.
• The Cardinals have won the first inning in each of their last four games as road underdogs against National League opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Nationals’ last six day games against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Cardinals’ last seven games as underdogs against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Nationals’ last eight games as favorites.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cardinals’ last four games as road underdogs.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Over on the Nationals’ side, they kicked off the year by falling in a set to the Philadelphia Phillies and then taking a sweep courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington would bag victories in two of three over the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in the next pair of series, then lost in the next pair versus the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nationals beat the Rockies and Orioles in the next two series, then split with the Mets ahead of defeats in two of three against the Phillies. Washington split their first two weekend games versus the Reds, then won on Sunday to take another series. The Nats split their Tuesday doubleheader against Cleveland, then lost 8-6 in the Wednesday finale. On Friday, Washington couldn’t solve Fedde and came up with just six team hits. CJ Abrams had half of those hits, and starter Mitchell Parker went 4.0 innings with four earned on seven hits and two walks.

In game two, the Nats got their only RBI from Dylan Crews and a home run. Trevor Williams went 6.0 frames in the starting role with four earned runs on seven hits and a walk.

Starter for Sunday will be MacKenzie Gore. This year, Gore is 2-3 with a 3.33 ERA in eight starts across 46.0 innings. Gore is 23-29 with a 4.11 ERA in 83 games (80 starts) overall during his MLB career.

Nationals vs Cardinals Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Cardinals. Mikolas was a bit shaky in his last start on May 5 versus the Pirates, though, posting three earned runs on four hits and three walks in 5.0 innings during a no-decision. That said, Mikolas went 1-0 over his first pair with a combined zero earned runs in 11.1 innings on nine hits and two walks. As for Gore, he’s done pretty well over his last trio as well, even though he’s just 0-1 in that time. Gore has a combined 17.0 innings in those three with six earned runs on 13 hits and five walks total.

St. Louis had one big inning Saturday, and the pitching staff took care of the rest. I’d like to see a more spread-out offensive effort in the finale, but the Cards should be set up well.

Read the rest of "Nationals vs Cardinals Prediction 5/11/25 MLB Picks Today" at Sports Chat Place

St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals are 20-19 on the year and play the Phillies, Royals, and Tigers next. The St. Louis Cardinals are batting .262 on the season, have a .337 OBP, and a .402 slugging percentage. The St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff has a 3.97 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Brendan Donovan leads the St. Louis Cardinals with 47 hits and 19 RBI, while Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado have combined for 72 hits and 36 RBI.

Andre Pallante gets the ball for the St. Louis Cardinals, and he is 2-2 with a 4.75 ERA and 21 strikeouts this season. Pallante is 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA and 9 strikeouts in his career against the Washington Nationals.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 17-22 on the year and play the Braves, Orioles, and Braves next. The Washington Nationals are batting .241 on the season, have a .311 OBP, and a .382 slugging percentage. The Washington Nationals pitching staff has a 5.47 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. James Wood leads the Washington Nationals with 42 hits and 23 RBI, while Keibert Ruiz and Nathaniel Lowe have combined for 73 hits and 42 RBI.

Trevor Williams gets the ball for the Washington Nationals, and he is 2-3 with a 5.86 ERA and 30 strikeouts this season. Williams is 5-6 with a 4.93 ERA and 82 strikeouts in his career against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight games as road favorites after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have won four of their last five games as home underdogs against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in 12 of their last 13 games as favorites following a road win.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in six of their last seven games against National League opponents following a home loss.

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win

• The Cardinals have won each of their last six games.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last four home games against NL Central opponents.
• The Cardinals have covered the run line in each of their last six games.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games at Nationals Park.
• The Cardinals have won the first inning in five of their last six road games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against National League opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Josh Bell has hit a home run in each of his last two appearances against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• Trevor Williams has recorded a win in three of his last four home appearances against NL opponents.
• Josh Bell has recorded at least one RBI in five of his last six home appearances against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• Josh Bell has scored at least one run in eight of his last nine appearances in day games against NL teams that held a winning record.
• CJ Abrams has recorded at least one Single in nine of the Nationals’ last 10 games as underdogs against NL opponents.
• Trevor Williams has recorded four or more strikeouts in each of his last nine home appearances.
• CJ Abrams has recorded at least one hit in each of the Nationals’ last 11 games against NL opponents that held a winning record.
• James Wood ranks T7th in the league in Home Runs (10) this season.

St. Louis Cardinals Player Prop Facts

• Willson Contreras has hit a home run in five of his last seven appearances with the Cardinals as favorites against the Nationals.
• Willson Contreras has recorded at least one RBI in each of the Cardinals’ last four games against NL East opponents.
• Willson Contreras has scored at least one run in each of his last seven appearances with the Cardinals as favorites against the Nationals.
• Willson Contreras has recorded at least one Single in each of the Cardinals’ last nine games against NL East opponents.
• Willson Contreras has recorded at least one hit in each of the Cardinals’ last 10 games against NL East opponents.
• Victor Scott II ranks T6th in the league in Steals (11) this season.

Nationals vs Cardinals Prediction

The Cardinals are rolling with six straight wins and a pitching staff that’s produced back-to-back shutouts and allowed a combined one run in their last three games. The Nationals pitching staff has bee getting rocked during this losing stretch, and Williams has played a role in those struggles. Through 35.1 innings, Williams has a 5.86 ERA and .317 allowed batting average. It’s not much better at home in 15.1 innings, as Williams has a 5.28 ERA and .271 allowed batting average.

Pallante has had his issues on the season, especially on the road, where he has a 5.66 ERA and .289 allowed batting average in 20.2 innings. However, the Cardinals are arguably the hottest team in baseball this week. I’ll trust that and lay the cheap price with the road team.

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St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview

The Cardinals opened up their season with a sweep over the Minnesota Twins, then took losses versus the Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates in the next three series. Set wins over the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros came next before a sweep by the Mets and a series loss to the Braves. The Cards would then beat Milwaukee in a series and tie Cincinnati. After winning two of three versus the Mets last weekend, St. Louis beat the Pirates 6-3 Monday and 2-1 Tuesday. In the game two victory, the Cardinals’ Alec Burleson contributed both RBIs on a 1-for-3 day. Matthew Liberatore logged 7.0 innings with one earned run on three hits and three walks in the starting role.

In the Wednesday finale, the Cardinals kept it rolling with a nice 5-0 shutout victory. St. Louis’ Masyn Winn posted two hits with two RBI, while Jordan Walker had two RBI of his own. Lars Nootbaar had three hits with a run and an RBI. Starter Sonny Gray was great on 7.0 innings, two hits, one earned, and eight strikeouts.

As a starter for the Friday game, St. Louis is sending out Erick Fedde. This year, over his seven starts, Fedde is 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA in 37.2 innings total. Fedde is 32-45 with a 4.81 ERA in 140 games (126 starts) total.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Over on the Nationals’ side, they opened up the 2025 season by losing in a series to the Philadelphia Phillies and facing a sweep courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington would take victories in two of three over the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in the ensuing pair of series, then fall in the next pair versus the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nationals took out the Rockies and Orioles in the next two sets, then split with the Mets ahead of defeats in two of three against the Phillies. Washington split their first two weekend games versus the Reds, then won on Sunday to take another series. The Nats split their Tuesday doubleheader with the Guardians as well.

In the Wednesday finale versus Cleveland, Washington coughed up all eight runs in the sixth inning along the way to an 8-6 defeat. Starting pitcher Michael Soroka lasted 5.0 frames with four earned runs on five hits and two walks.

As the starting pitcher for Friday, the Nationals will roll out Mitchell Parker. So far this year, Parker is 3-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven starts across 41.1 innings of work. Parker is 10-12 with a 4.12 ERA in 36 starts over his MLB career.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won nine of their last 10 night games against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight road games following a win.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last 10 night games against National League opponents following a home loss.
• The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in 11 of their last 13 night games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in seven of their last eight night games at Nationals Park against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in eight of their last nine home night games.

Why the St. Louis Cardinals will win

• The Cardinals have won each of their last five games.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last three home games against NL Central opponents.
• The Cardinals have covered the run line in eight of their last nine night games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven night games against the Cardinals at Nationals Park following a loss.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in four of their last five night games against National League opponents.
• The Cardinals have won the first inning in four of their last five road games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five night games against National League opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Cardinals’ last five night games against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Each of the Nationals’ last five home games have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 10 of the last 11 night games between the Cardinals and Nationals.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Cardinals’ last nine night games against NL East opponents.

Nationals vs Cardinals Prediction

I’ll lean toward St. Louis here, but it’s going to depend on how Fedde looks in the starting role. Fedde has one rough outing in his last trio: 5.2 innings with seven earned on 10 hits and two walks in a defeat versus Milwaukee. In the other pair, however, he’s looking much better. Fedde is 1-0 in those two with 11.0 innings combined for five earned runs on 11 hits and eight walks. Another quality start on Friday would go a long way toward buoying St. Louis’ chances. As for Parker, he’s struggled in his last two starts, giving up 11 earned runs on 11 hits and 11 walks in 9.0 innings, going 0-1 in that pair. Parker posted a win over Baltimore on April 22, though, notching 8.0 clean frames with one hit and two walks.

The Cardinals are hot right now, coming off a sweep of the Pirates and holding a five-game win streak in total. St. Louis has five or more runs in four of those games, so if the bats keep it up, there shouldn’t be too many issues Friday.

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Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview

The Guardians opened up the 2025 season by winning a series over the Kansas City Royals, then managed to sweep the San Diego Padres and dropped a series versus the Los Angeles Angels. After a sweep over the Chicago White Sox and a set victory against the Royals, Cleveland lost a series to Baltimore and took a sweep over the Pirates. The Guardians then beat the Yankees in a series and fell to the Red Sox before wins in three of four over Minnesota. Cleveland split the first two weekend games with the Blue Jays ahead of a 5-4 Sunday win that clinched the set. On Monday, the Guardians had a rainout, so that matchup was pushed back to Tuesday afternoon.

In game one of the Tuesday doubleheader, Cleveland posted 14 team hits (and gave up 10) during a wild 10-9 loss. The Guardians scored six of their runs in the seventh inning alone, and Gabriel Arias had three of the RBIs. In the nightcap, the Guardians scored three times in both the sixth and seventh innings on the way to a 9-1 victory. Carlos Santana had a homer, three RBI, and two runs. Starter Ben Lively went 5.1 innings with one earned run on two hits and two walks.

As a starter for Wednesday, the Guardians are sending out Logan Allen. This year, Allen is 1-2 with a 4.02 ERA in six starts over 31.1 innings. Allen is 16-15 with a 4.57 ERA in 50 career starts at the MLB level.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Over on the Nationals’ side, they kicked off their campaign by losing a series to the Philadelphia Phillies and getting swept by the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington would win two of three over the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in the next two series, then lose in the next two sets against the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nationals then beat the Rockies and Orioles in the next pair of series, then split with the Mets before losses in two of three versus the Phillies. Washington split their first two weekend games versus the Reds, then ended up taking a 4-1 win on Sunday to take the set.

In Tuesday’s opener, Washington scored multiple runs in three different innings on the way to the tight victory. James Wood notched a homer with two RBI, and starter Jake Irvin had 5.1 innings with two earned runs. In game two, the Nats were out-hit 8-4 in the defeat. Brad Lord lasted 6.0 innings with three earned runs on three hits and a walk.

Michael Soroka will start for Washington on Wednesday. Soroka is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA and three strikeouts so far this year.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Guardians have lost seven of their last eight games as road favorites against National League opponents following a win.
• The Nationals have won each of their last four games as home underdogs following a home loss.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last six games following a home loss.
• The Guardians have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as favorites against National League opponents following a road win.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in four of their last five games against American League opponents.
• The Guardians have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five day games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.

Why the Cleveland Guardians will win

• The Guardians have won seven of their last eight games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have lost six of their last seven home games against AL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• The Guardians have covered the run line in seven of their last eight games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven games against American League opponents after playing the previous day.
• The Guardians have led after 5 innings in four of their last five day games against opponents that held a losing record.
• The Guardians have led after 3 innings in six of their last seven day games against opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Eight of the last nine games between the Guardians and Nationals at Nationals Park have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Seven of the Guardians’ last eight games as road favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Guardians’ last six day games against National League opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the last five day games between the Guardians and Nationals.

Nationals vs Guardians Prediction

I’ll probably stick with Cleveland in this one. Allen does need to have a good start in the bag, though. He had some issues with Boston during a loss on April 27, posting seven earned runs on nine hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. In the other pair of his last three starts, however, Allen has 11.1 innings with three earned runs on 11 hits and three walks combined. He didn’t register a decision in either one of those outings, though.

The Guardians had a tough loss in the opener of the doubleheader on Tuesday, but the good news is that the offense came through in both installments. If Cleveland can keep the bats going Wednesday, they’ll be in a promising spot for a potential victory.

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Before we dive into the Cleveland Guardians vs. Washington Nationals game let’s review the rules for the Draftkings MLB single game showdown contest.

Draftkings Single Game Showdown Contest Rules

You have $50,000 to utilize on five players from either team. However, one of those players will be designated as your team captain. The captain accumulates 1.5 times the standard fantasy points. Additionally, the captain is 1.5 times the standard cost of the flex position.

The remaining four players in your lineup will receive the standard fantasy points. Having stated that, it is highly important for you to identify the correct player for your captain position if you hope to win a large field DFS GPP (guaranteed prize pool) showdown contest.

If you have additional questions regarding the rules for the single game showdown contest, I recommend that you check out the Draftkings website for more details.

*I recommend that all readers review the starting lineups for both teams prior to setting your DFS lineup for this one game slate.

Here are my Draftkings picks for today’s Cleveland Gurdians vs. Washington Nationals matchup.

Draftkings MLB Showdown Picks

Captain-Luis Ortiz, Starting Pitcher, Cleveland Guardians $10,400

On Tuesday afternoon, Major League Baseball presents the opening game of a three-game interleague series featuring the Cleveland Guardians and the Washington Nationals.

How are these two teams playing entering tonight’s MLB game? The Washington Nationals arrive at the first game of this three-game series with the Cleveland Guardians playing good baseball. The Guardians have won three of the team’s last four games played in the 2025 MLB regular season, including a 11-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds three days ago.

Similar to the Washington Nationals, the Cleveland Guardians are playing well entering this evening’s game. More specifically, the Guardians have won three of the team’s last four games played in the 2025 MLB regular season, including a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins last week.

Now that we have determined how both of these teams are currently playing let’s turn our attention to this evening’s contest. Starting pitcher Luis Ortiz has been a standout contributor for the Cleveland Guardians starting rotation this season. Having stated that, how has Ortiz performed from a statistical standpoint? Let’s review Ortiz’s relevant game data from the 2025 MLB regular season to answer that question.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz has compiled a 2-3 (win-loss record), a 4.78 ERA (Earned Run Average) and a 1.41 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched) in 2025. Additionally, Ortiz has amassed 36 strikeouts while allowing eight walks in 32.1 innings pitched this season.

More recently, in the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 win over the Minnesota Twins seven days ago, Cleveland starting pitcher Luis Ortiz certainly pitched at a high level. Ortiz pitched 6.1 quality innings while scattering three hits and two walks in the Guardians victory over the Twins.

In my view, Luis Ortiz is the most likely player to post the most Draftkings points in today’s MLB game. With that said, I am backing Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz at the captain position for this one game MLB DFS slate.

Flex plays I like to play well in this MLB regular season contest (Draftkings price noted): Jake Irvin, Starting Pitcher (Washington Nationals) $11,400: Steven Kwan, Outfielder (Cleveland Guardians) $8,800: Nathaniel Lowe, First Baseman (Washington Nationals) $8,400.

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Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview

The Guardians kicked things off this year with a set victory over the Kansas City Royals, then took a sweep thanks to the San Diego Padres and fell in a series versus the Los Angeles Angels. Following a sweep over the Chicago White Sox and a series win versus the Royals, Cleveland fell in a set to Baltimore and swept the Pirates. The Guardians then took out the Yankees in a series and lost to the Red Sox, ahead of wins in three of four over Minnesota. Cleveland lost to Toronto on Friday, then managed a 5-3 win in game two. On Sunday, in the finale, the Guardians eked out a 5-4 victory thanks to 10 team hits. Gabriel Arias came away with three hits, two RBI, and a run in the win.

In the Monday opener versus Washington, the Guardians had a rainout and a postponement. That matchup will be made up as part of a doubleheader beginning at 3:35 p.m. ET.

Starter for game one is set to be Luis Ortiz. This year, Ortiz is 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA and 36 strikeouts overall.

As a starter for Tuesday’s game two, Cleveland will send out Ben Lively. This year, in seven starts, Lively is 1-2 with a 3.72 ERA in 36.1 innings total. Lively is 22-29 with a 4.45 ERA in 81 games (68 starts) over his MLB career.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Over on the Nationals’ side, they opened up their season with a loss in a set to the Philadelphia Phillies and a sweep thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington would win two of three over both the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in the next pair, then fall in the next two series versus the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nats then took out the Rockies and Orioles in the ensuing two sets, then split with the Mets ahead of losses in two of three versus the Phillies. Washington fell to Cincinnati 6-1 on Friday, then in Saturday’s matchup, the Nats powered out an 11-6 win. In the Sunday rubber match, Washington posted nine team hits in a 4-1 victory. Starter MacKenzie Gore finished with 5.0 innings and one earned run.

In game one, the Nationals will send out Jake Irvin as a starter. This year, Irvin is 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA in seven starts and 42.2 innings total.

In the game two starting pitcher slot for Washington on Tuesday, it’ll be Brad Lord. This year, Lord is 1-3 with a 4.43 ERA in eight games (five starts) and 22.1 innings across his rookie campaign.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Guardians have lost six of their last seven games as road favorites against National League opponents following a win.
• The underdogs have won nine of the Nationals’ last 12 games at Nationals Park.
• The Guardians have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games as favorites following a road win.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in six of the Guardians’ last seven games.
• The Nationals have won the first inning in each of their last three games as home underdogs against American League opponents.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in each of their last eight home night games.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in five of their last six home night games.

Why the Cleveland Guardians will win

• The Nationals have lost 15 of their last 16 night games against American League opponents following a road win.
• The Guardians have won 12 of their last 13 games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in 15 of their last 16 night games against American League opponents following a road win.
• The Guardians have covered the run line each of their last six games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in seven of their last eight games as underdogs.
• The Guardians have led after 5 innings in each of their last six games against National League opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Nationals’ last 11 night games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Nine of the Guardians’ last 10 road games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Nationals’ last 10 night games against AL Central opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Guardians’ last seven games as road favorites.

Nationals vs Guardians Prediction

For game one, I’ll probably stay with the Guardians. Ortiz had a bumpy loss versus the Yankees back on April 23, but he bounced back well versus the Twins on April 30. Ortiz managed 6.1 clean frames with three hits and two walks in that one. Irvin is coming off six earned runs in 6.0 innings versus Philly, but he was pitching well before that and should be fine in this one. I like a close game in the opener.

In game two, I’ll lean toward the Guardians as well. Lively should be pretty solid here. In his matchup with the Red Sox on April 26, Lively put up 5.0 innings with four earned runs on six hits and three walks in a no-decision. Over the other pair of his last three starts, however, Lively is 1-0 in 11.0 combined frames with zero earned on nine hits and a walk. Those starts came versus the Pirates (win) and the Twins (no-decision). As for Lord, he had a couple of losses in late April but didn’t pitch badly, notching 8.0 innings with four earned runs total. In his latest outing versus the Phillies on May 1, Lord posted a win with 5.0 innings and two earned runs on six hits and a walk.

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Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview

The Guardians opened up their 2025 campaign with a series win over the Kansas City Royals, then got swept by the San Diego Padres and lost a set to the Los Angeles Angels. After sweeping the Chicago White Sox and winning another set versus the Royals, Cleveland lost a series to Baltimore and swept the Pirates. The Guardians would then beat the Yankees in a series and lose to the Red Sox in a set before taking three of four over Minnesota. Cleveland lost to Toronto on Friday, then in game two, the Guardians scored four runs in the top of the ninth in a wild comeback win, 5-3. Daniel Schneemann finished with two homers and all five RBI along the way. Starter Gavin Williams had 4.0 innings with two earned runs on seven hits and five walks.

In the Sunday finale, Cleveland scored three runs in the fourth inning along the way to a tight win, 5-4. The Guardians collected 10 hits along the way, with Gabriel Arias providing three of them alongside two RBI and a run. Starter Tanner Bibee went 5.0 innings with two earned runs on five hits and two walks.

As a starter for Monday’s opener, the Guardians will send out Luis Ortiz. This year, Ortiz is 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA in six starts over 32.0 innings. Ortiz is 14-16 with a 4.03 ERA in 65 career games (40 starts) in the MLB.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

Over on the Nationals’ side, they kicked things off this year with a series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies and a sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington took two of three from both the Diamondbacks and Dodgers next, then lost consecutive series versus the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nats would beat the Rockies and Orioles in the next pair of series, then split with the Mets before losing two of three versus the Phillies. Washington lost to Cincinnati 6-1 on Friday, then in Saturday’s matchup, the Nats put up 15 team hits (and surrendered 12) during a wild win 11-6. Amed Rosario had four RBI, a homer, and three hits in the victory. Starting pitcher Trevor Williams had 5.1 innings with four earned runs on nine hits and two walks.

On Sunday, in the final game, the Nationals powered out a 4-1 win. Starter MacKenzie Gore lasted 5.0 innings with one earned run.

As the starting pitcher for Monday, Washington is going with Jake Irvin. So far this year, Irvin is 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA in seven starts and 42.2 innings. Irvin is 15-22 with a 4.43 ERA in 64 career games at the MLB level.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Guardians have lost six of their last seven games as road favorites against National League opponents following a win.
• The underdogs have won nine of the Nationals’ last 12 games at Nationals Park.
• The Guardians have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games as favorites following a road win.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in six of the Guardians’ last seven games.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in five of their last six home night games.
• The Nationals have won the first inning in each of their last three games as home underdogs against American League opponents.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in each of their last eight home night games.

Why the Cleveland Guardians will win

• The Nationals have lost 15 of their last 16 night games against American League opponents following a road win.
• The Guardians have won 12 of their last 13 games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in 15 of their last 16 night games against American League opponents following a road win.
• The Guardians have covered the run line each of their last six games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in seven of their last eight games as underdogs.
• The Guardians have led after 5 innings in each of their last six games against National League opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Nationals’ last 11 night games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Nine of the Guardians’ last 10 road games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Nationals’ last 10 night games against AL Central opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Guardians’ last seven games as road favorites.

Nationals vs Guardians Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Guardians in this one. Ortiz had a nice win over the Pirates on April 18, going 5.0 innings with two earned runs on four hits and three walks. That said, in his next outing versus the Yankees, Ortiz took a loss with 4.1 innings, five hits, and five walks for four earned runs. The good news is that he bounced back in the Twins matchup on April 30 with 6.1 clean frames, three hits, and two walks. A quality start here would put Cleveland in a nice spot. As for Irvin, he’s coming off six earned runs in 6.0 innings in a loss to Philadelphia. That said, in his two starts prior, Irvin was 1-0 with three earned runs combined over 13.2 frames.

The Guardians generally played pretty well Sunday and would have dominated if not for a few bad spots. I like Cleveland to keep it going into Monday’s game.

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Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Nationals lost their first two sets of 2025, losing two of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies and then facing a sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington then got two series victories against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, but they would lose two more sets versus the Marlins and Pirates. Following series victories against the Rockies and Orioles, the Nationals took a split in a set against the New York Mets. The Nationals lost their first two games versus the Phillies, but rebounded for a 4-2 victory on Thursday to stop the sweep. In Friday’s opener against the Reds, Washington gave up five runs over the first three innings in a 6-1 loss. Josh Bell had the lone RBI with a solo homer, and starter Mitchell Parker gave up five earned runs on four hits and four walks in 4.0 innings.

On Saturday in game two the Nationals powered out an 11-6 win. Amed Rosario had four RBI with a homer, while Nathaniel Lowe had three hits, two RBI, and a run. Trevor Williams went 5.1 innings in the starting role with four earned runs on nine hits and two walks.

In the starter slot for the finale, the Nationals will send out MacKenzie Gore. This year so far, Gore is 2-3 with a 3.51 ERA in seven starts across 41.0 innings. Gore is 23-29 with a 4.13 ERA in 82 games (79 starts) over his career.

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

Over on the Reds’ side, they started out 2025 with losses in three straight series against the San Francisco Giants, the Texas Rangers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Cincinnati bagged a series victory in their rematch with the Giants then would take a sweep over the Pirates. After a loss in a series against the Mariners, the Reds beat the Orioles in a set before falling in one versus the Marlins in two of three. Cincinnati dispatched the Rockies in a sweep over the weekend, then bagged a win over the Cardinals on Monday. After losses in both the Wednesday doubleheader games, Cincinnati took a Thursday win to tie the set. In Friday’s matchup, the Reds out-hit the Nationals 7-4. Starter Hunter Greene finished with 6.0 innings, one earned run, two hits, two walks, and 12 strikeouts.

In the Saturday game, Cincinnati had a good offensive night with 12 team hits, but couldn’t keep the pace later in the game. Starter Nick Lodolo lasted 5.1 frames with six earned runs on 10 hits and two walks.

Starter for Sunday will be the Reds’ Nick Martinez. This year, Martinez is 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA in six starts over 32.2 innings. Martinez is 38-48 with a 4.12 ERA in 246 career games (109 starts).

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win

• The Nationals have lost eight of their last nine road games following a win.
• The Reds have won each of their last five day games after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four road games against NL Central opponents following a win.
• The Reds have covered the run line in six of their last seven games after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have lost the first inning in four of their last five day games against NL Central opponents.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in seven of their last eight games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in seven of their last eight games against National League opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The underdogs have won four of the Reds’ last five games.
• The Reds have lost five of their last six games as favorites against the Nationals following a home loss.
• The Reds have failed to cover the run line in each of their last 10 games as favorites against the Nationals following a home loss.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in eight of their last nine day games against the Reds following a win.
• The Reds have trailed after 5 innings in five of their last six day games at Great American Ball Park against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Eleven of the Reds’ last 12 day games as favorites have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Each of the Nationals’ last four day games against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Reds’ last six games as favorites.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Nationals’ last seven games as underdogs against NL Central opponents.

Reds vs Nationals Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Reds. Martinez had a fairly rough outing on April 16 versus Seattle, taking a loss with 4.2 innings and three earned runs. In his two starts combined since then, however, Martinez is 1-0 with three earned in 11.2 innings on 10 hits and four walks. As for Gore, he hasn’t done too badly himself over the last three starts, despite a tepid 1-1 record. Gore has gone 6.0 innings in each of those for a total of 18.0 frames, giving up seven earned on 13 hits and three walks.

Cincinnati got multiple hits from three different guys on the offense during the Saturday loss, so it was a pretty solid night for that unit. That said, the bats couldn’t dig out of the hole, and the game went down as an L. Things need to be better on the mound Sunday, starting with Martinez.

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Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Nationals fell in the first pair of series this year, dropping two of three games versus the Philadelphia Phillies and then getting swept by the Toronto Blue Jays. Washington would get a pair of set victories versus the Diamondbacks and Dodgers from there, however, they then lost two more sets versus the Marlins and Pirates. After two more set wins against the Rockies and Orioles, the Nationals split a series against the New York Mets. The Nationals lost their first two games versus the Phillies, 7-6 and 7-2. In the Thursday finale, Washington powered out a 4-2 win to stop the sweep.

On Friday in the opener versus the Reds, Washington suffered a 6-1 defeat. Starter Mitchell Parker finished with 4.0 innings, five earned, four hits, and four walks.

For the Saturday starting pitcher role the Nationals are sending out Trevor Williams. This year Williams is 1-3 with a 5.70 ERA in six starts over 30.0 innings. In his career over the regular season Williams is 51-58 with a 4.35 ERA in 208 games (167 starts).

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

Over on the Reds’ side, they opened up their season by dropping three consecutive sets versus the San Francisco Giants, the Texas Rangers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Cincinnati took a series victory in their rematch with the Giants, then managed to sweep the Pirates. Following a set loss versus the Mariners, the Reds took out the Orioles in a series before losing one versus the Marlins in two of three games. Cincinnati beat the Rockies in a sweep last weekend, then got a victory over the Cardinals on Monday. Tuesday’s game was rained out and pushed back to a doubleheader on Wednesday, both of which Cincinnati lost. On Thursday, the Reds managed to push the series to a 2-2 tie with a 9-1 blowout victory.

In the Friday game, Cincinnati out-hit the Nats 7-4 and scored five runs over the first three innings. Hunter Greene lasted 6.0 frames in the start with 12 Ks, two hits, two walks, and one earned run.

Starter for Saturday will be Nick Lodolo. This year, Lodolo is 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA in six starts over 36.0 innings total. Lodolo is 18-16 with a 4.24 ERA in 53 career games at the MLB level.

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win

• The Reds have won each of their last six games after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have lost seven of their last eight games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• The Reds have covered the run line in each of their last six games after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in three of their last four night games against NL Central opponents.
• The Nationals have lost the first inning in each of their last four night games at Great American Ball Park.
• The Nationals have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last seven games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Reds have led after 3 innings in each of their last six night games against the Nationals.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won each of their last six Saturday games as road underdogs against NL Central opponents.
• The Reds have lost seven of their last nine Saturday night games as favorites against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in seven of their last eight games as underdogs following a loss.
• The Reds have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five night games against the Nationals following a home win.
• The Reds have lost the first inning in four of their last five night games at Great American Ball Park.
• The Reds have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five home games against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Seven of the Nationals’ last eight games against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Reds’ last seven games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Nationals’ last six night games at Great American Ball Park.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Reds’ last 10 night games at Great American Ball Park.

Reds vs Nationals Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Reds here, as long as Lodolo can maintain form, that is. In his last start, Lodolo was looking pretty darn great with 7.0 innings, two hits, and one walk in a victory over Colorado on the road. In his two starts prior to that, however, Lodolo gave up a combined seven earned runs on 12 hits and three walks in 10.1 innings, going 0-1 in that pair. If he can bag a quality outing Saturday, though, the Reds will be set up well. As for Williams, he’s 0-2 in his last three games. Williams gave up five earned runs on five hits and a pair of walks in 5.1 innings versus the Mets his last time up, but he had just two earned runs over 10.0 innings across his two previous starts. 

Cincinnati played well on Friday, and I like them to keep it going here.

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