Dodgers vs. Nationals Pick
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their three-game series at the Washington Nationals Saturday afternoon at 1:05PM EST.
Oddsmakers at sports book Bovada.lv have set the Dodgers as a -150 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Nationals are a +130 underdog and the over-under is 9.
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Rich Hill (9-8, 3.67 ERA) draws the start for Los Angeles, while Washington turns to A.J. Cole (2-4, 4.30). Hill boasts a 1.15 WHIP with 140 strikeouts over 117 2/3 innings. He surrendered two earned runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks over five innings in an 8-1 home loss to the Rockies his last start. Hill holds a 4.27 ERA in 10 road starts. Cole has a 1.57 WHIP with 32 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings. His last two appearances have come out of the bullpen, last starting on September 4 in a 7-2 win at the Marlins. He gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and four walks in 5 2/3 innings that day. Cole has a 4.71 ERA in 21 innings at home.
The Dodgers have a 94-52 record and are 42-29 on the road, while the Nationals come in at 89-57 and 44-30 at home. The season series is tied 2-2 and the total has gone under in all four games.
Los Angeles won the series opener 7-0 Friday night for their third win in a row directly after an 11-game losing streka. The Dodgers prevailed behind a strong start from Alex Wood as he gave up three hits and struck out eight over six shutout innings. Corey Seager keyed the offense with a three-run homer during a five-run second inning. Yasiel Puig was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, while Justin Turner also hit a solo home run. Andre Ethier finished 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI in his first start of the season. Edwin Jackson took the loss as he was shelled for seven earned runs in 2 1/3 innings. Ryan Zimmerman contributed a double in four at-bats.
It is strange to see Washington three out of their last four home games. As much as we’d like to think this could be a rebound day, it’s tough to ignore the difference in starting pitching. But we’re going to do it anyway. Hill hasn’t been the same pitcher away from home, aside from his unlucky near-perfect game last month at Pittsburgh. As for Cole, he was solid the last time he made a start and if he can at least minimize the damage he’ll give his team a great shot to win.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: BALTIMORE ORIOLES -120