Nationals vs. Pirates Prediction
Will the over cash when the Pirates host the Nationals at 7:05PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Nationals are -160 money line favorites versus the Pirates, who have odds of +150 to pull off the upset in Pittsburgh. With Stephen Strasburg set to face Chad Kuhl in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8 runs.
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Strasburg was charged with five runs in six innings against the Orioles but escaped without a loss last Wednesday. Luckily for him the Nationals’ offense scored five runs in the last two innings to erase the deficit. Strasburg gave up eight hits and two walks while fanning nine batters. He still has good numbers for the season despite today’s sub-par outing. His record holds at 3-1 with a 3.28 ERA after seven starts. He has registered 45 strikeouts and 13 walks in 46 2/3 innings. He lines up for two starts next week.
Kuhl surrendered four runs in five innings Wednesday in a loss to the Dodgers. With Jameson Taillon out indefinitely, Kuhl’s rotation spot probably isn’t in any danger at the moment. Still, his 5.81 ERA leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not quite as bad as it sounds; he’s given up just two homers 31 innings and four of the 14 walks he’s issued have been intentional. He still figures to be an adequate bottom-of-the-rotation guy going forward.
Bet Tonight’s Nationals vs. Pirates Game
OUR PREDICTION: The over is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings between these two teams in Pittsburgh. The over is also 6-1 in the Pirates’ last seven games versus National League East opponents, is 6-2-1 in their last nine games following a win, and are 4-1 in Kuhl’s last five home starts. On the other side, the over has cashed in eight of the Nationals’ last 10 road games and is 12-3-2 in their last 17 games after allowing five runs or more in their previous game.
TUESDAY MLB PREDICTION: NATIONALS/PIRATES OVER 8