In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Tuesday, July 29, at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals (44-62, 23-31 Away) lost the opening series of the second half to the San Diego Padres, but bounced back with wins against the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins. The Nats edged out the Astros in Game 1 of the current series on Monday. Brad Lord pitched for 5.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on one hit with two strikeouts and one walk. Konnor Pilkington was credited with the win.
This year, the Nationals average 4.32 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .244/.310/.389triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.14 ERA (29th) and 1.41 WHIP (26th). James Wood leads the Nationals with a .263 batting average, 24 home runs, and 70 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Nationals is Michael Soroka, who is 3-8 in 15 starts this season, with a 4.85 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 78.0 innings.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (60-47, 33-24 Home) lost a series to the Seattle Mariners, swept the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then were swept by the Athletics. Houston is now on a five-game losing skid after falling short 2-1 to the Nationals in Game 1 of this series. Mauricio Dubon drove in the lone run for the offense, while Framber Valdez pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on three hits with 12 strikeouts and two walks. Bryan King took the loss.
This season, the Astros average 4.33 runs per game (16th in the MLB) on a .257/.322/.406 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.70 ERA (7th) and 1.19 WHIP (2nd). Jose Altuve leads the Astros with a .277 batting average, 17 home runs, and 53 RBI this season.
Jason Alexander will take the mound for the Astros on Tuesday. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 1-1 record in two starts this year with an 8.14 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 21.0 innings.
Why the Nationals will beat the Astros
- The Astros have lost each of their last six games as home favorites after playing the previous day.
- The underdogs have won each of the Astros’ last six games.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line each of their last 12 games at Daikin Park against teams that held a losing record.
- The road team has covered the run line in each of the Astros’ last 10 games.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Astros’ last seven home games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Nationals’ last six games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Astros’ last six games as home favorites against NL East opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Nationals’ last eight night games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Astros are one of only three teams in the league to rank top 10 in both strikeouts and walks allowed this season.
- The Astros rank 4th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.229).
- The Nationals rank 28th in the league for runs allowed this season (557).
- The Nationals rank 27th in the league for walks this season (307).
Astros vs Nationals Prediction
The Nationals won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including five of the last six. I was surprised by Washington’s win last night, but now I am backing the visitors to win due to the pitching matchup. Michael Soroka has been pitching well recently; he allowed four runs in his previous three starts. Jason Alexander, on the other hand, is not a regular starter and is a reliever. He has been struggling this year and allowed five runs in his latest start. I think the Nationals have a solid chance to score 3+ runs against Alexander and get a W here.