Nationals invade Diamondbacks’ lair again
Washington utterly pulverized Arizona last night, 14-1, in the series opener between the two squads. Should fans in the desert prepare themselves for another rout in a few hours?
Oddsmakers are taking a pretty predictable stance on the subject. According to online sports book BetDSI, the Nationals represent 1.5-run favorites. The Diamondbacks check in as +125 underdogs, with the over/under run figure sitting at nine.
With the exception of acquiring elite reliever Mark Melancon from the Pirates, Dusty Baker’s club stayed largely quiet at the deadline. Considering the Nats’ place atop the National League East, it’s easy to understand why the front office would be reluctant to tinker with the on-field dynamic too much. Monday’s result showed operating at maximum efficiency, pounding out a season-high 19 hits and leaving the D-backs defenseless at the plate.
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Tanner Roark will be hard-pressed to match Steven Strasburg’s six innings of one-run ball, but the Illinois product has played second fiddle to very few hurlers this season. The righty has gone at least seven innings in eight of his past nine starts, registering six victories during that span. Oh, and don’t terrorize the Arizona faithful with the reminder Roark carries a career ERA of 0.00 against Chip Hale’s troops. (Seriously, they’ve never plated a run in 18 innings against the Washington pitcher.)
Obviously, the Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray needs to keep digging into that heat supply. He fanned 10 Reds on July 23 and another 11 Brewers last week. Still, expect the Nationals to ride to their 32nd road victory.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS/DIAMONDBACKS UNDER 9 RUNS