In this article, we will formulate a Diamondbacks vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Friday, May 30, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals (26-30, 13-16 Away) were on a five-game winning streak, during which they swept the Orioles and Braves. Following a series loss to the Giants, the Nationals beat the Mariners in two of three games on the road. In Thursday’s 9-3 extra innings victory, Josh Bell led the offense with a three-run homer, while MacKenzie Gore pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing no runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Jose Ferrer was credited with the win.
This year, the Nationals average 4.36 runs per game (11th in the MLB) on a .242/.310/.394 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 4.98 ERA (26th) and 1.39 WHIP (25th). James Wood leads the Nationals with a .288 batting average, 15 home runs, and 42 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Nationals is Jake Irvin, who is 4-1 in 11 starts this season, with a 3.42 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 68.1 innings.
Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Preview
The Arizona Diamondbacks (27-29, 14-15 Home) are going through their worst period of the season after losing seven of the previous eight games. The D-backs went through a five-game losing streak, their longest of the season, during which they lost a series to the Dodgers and were swept by the Cardinals. Most recently, Arizona succumbed to a 10-1 defeat and lost a series to the Pirates. Zac Gallen took the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks in 5.0 innings.
This season, the Diamondbacks average 4.98 runs per game (5th in the MLB) on a .254/.331/.445 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Diamondbacks’ staff has a 4.73 ERA (24th) and 1.32 WHIP (20th). Eugenio Suarez leads the Diamondbacks with a .225 batting average, 15 home runs, and 41 RBI this season.
Merrill Kelly will take the mound for the Diamondbacks on Friday. The 36-year-old right-hander has a 5-2 record in 11 starts this year with a 3.52 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 64.0 innings.
Why the Nationals will cover
- The Nationals have won six of their last seven games as underdogs after playing the previous day.
- The Diamondbacks have lost seven of their last eight games against National League opponents.
- The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last seven games as underdogs after playing the previous day.
- The Diamondbacks have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against the Nationals following a loss.
- The Diamondbacks have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three night games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Diamondbacks’ last five night games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Nationals’ last five road games have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the last nine night games between the Nationals and Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Nationals’ last five night games at Chase Field.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Diamondbacks rank 4th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.445).
- The Diamondbacks rank 4th in the league for strikeouts against this season (423).
- The Nationals rank 25th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.260).
- The Nationals rank 25th in the league for hits allowed this season (493).
Diamondbacks vs Nationals Prediction
The Diamondbacks won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including five of the last seven. This season, though, the Nationals won two of three games. Jake Irvin was a starter in one of those and allowed four runs in a 6-4 loss. He posted three straight quality starts and surrendered five runs in the process; he even shut the Giants out in his latest start. Merrill Kelly, on the other hand, has been excellent in May, posting a 2.59 ERA, but he allowed a .432 BA in 37 at-bats against the Nationals in his career. Washington is in better form than struggling Arizona, so I am backing the Nats to cover the run line.