Dodgers vs. Nationals Pick
The Los Angeles Dodgers and host Washington Nationals wrap up Sunday’s action as they begin play at 8:00PM EST.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Nationals are a -150 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Dodgers are a +130 underdog and the over-under is set at 8.
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Hyun-jin Ryu (5-7, 3.59 ERA) draws the start for Los Angeles, while Washington counters with Stephen Strasburg (13-4, 2.64). Ryu has a WHIP of 1.34 with 109 strikeouts in 117 2/3 innings. He allowed one earned run on three hits with seven strikeouts and five walks over six innings in a 3-1 home loss to the Diamondbacks his last start. Ryu has a 3.72 ERA in 11 road starts. Strasburg holds a 1.03 WHIP with 182 strikeouts over 156 2/3 innings. He threw eight shutout innings in a 3-2 home win over the Phillies his last start, allowing two hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk. He has a franchise record 34-inning shutout streak, having not given up an earned run since August 19. Strasburg carries a home ERA of 3.23 in 12 starts.
Los Angeles comes in at 96-52 overall and 44-29 on the road, while Washington is 89-59 and 44-32 at home. The Dodgers lead the season series 3-2 and all five games have gone under the total.
Saturday afternoon, the Dodgers claimed a 3-2 victory as Cody Bellinger hit his 38th home run of the season. He finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and two RBIs. Chase Utley was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs. Rich Hill gave up one earned run on one hit with seven strikeouts and two walks over five innings to get the win. Kenley Jansen notched his 38th save. Anthony Rendon was 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk to pace the Nationals. A.J. Cole allowed three earned runs in five innings to take the loss.
Strasburg has been untouchable of late and it’s difficult to bet against him right now, even against a lineup as potent as the Dodgers. So let’s make it easy and side with the Nationals here. They should be able to manufacture a few runs against Ryu and that should be plenty enough.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS -150