Washington to wallop Philadelphia again?
Look out, Chicago. There’s suddenly major competition in terms of the most buzzworthy team in the senior circuit.
The Nationals (9-1) have certainly stated their case over the last week, winning six in a row entering this afternoon’s 1:35 p.m. ET showdown with NL East rival Philadelphia. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv expect the spree to continue in the series finale, installing Washington as a 1.5-run favorite.
Bryce Harper and his gang overwhelmed the Phillies yesterday, 8-1, mustering an eight-hit attack in support of Max Scherzer. The reigning MVP went yard for the third straight contest and picked up three more RBIs. Harper and new infielder Daniel Murphy are a combined 26 for 67 in 2016, while catcher Wilson Ramos works on an impressive five-game hitting streak.
It’s not entirely about the offense, though, as evidenced by a superlative pitching corps. Washington’s starting staff has surrendered three runs in 35 1/3 frames over the past five victories, holding opposing batters to a .154 average. Gio Gonzalez doesn’t want to be the guy to let the momentum wane today, especially after a sterling season debut vs. Atlanta.
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On the other hand, the Phils (5-7) can only hope to salvage a disastrous 48-hour period. Jeremy Hellickson and Aaron Nola were roughed up in consecutive outings, so Charlie Morton (1-1, 5.23 ERA) must give manager Pete Mackanin extended innings here. The former Pittsburgh hurler is capable of twirling a gem every now and then, but the Nats provide the wrong matchup at the wrong time. Watch as the rawhide keeps sailing out of Citizens Bank Park.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS/PHILLIES OVER 8 RUNS
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