In this article we will formulate a Nationals vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, September 13th at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals are 61-86 this year after they won game one by a score of 6-5 on Friday night. Washington trailed 3-0 in the fifth inning, but they scored the next six runs and hung on for the close win. The Nationals recorded eight hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Crews and Bell, who both had two RBIs in the win. Washington started Lord, who allowed seven hits and three earned runs over 6.0 innings, while Poulin picked up the win and Ferrer got the save.
Prior to this series, the Nationals split four games with the Marlins and won two out of three against the Cubs. Washington has won five of their last seven games and they are last in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.30 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP and a .267 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 632 runs with a .245 batting average and a .308 on base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs, while Josh Bell has added 20 home runs and 60 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Andrew Alvarez, who is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP over 9.2 innings pitched this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 64-84 this season after they lost game one by a score of 6-5 last night. Pittsburgh trailed 6-3 in the ninth inning, but they did score twice, before getting thrown out at home in the loss. The Pirates recorded 10 hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Horwitz, who went 2-4 with one home run and two RBIs in the loss. Pittsburgh started Keller, who allowed four hits and two earned runs over 5.1 innings, while Nicolas picked up the loss.
Prior to this series, the Pirates lost all three against the Orioles and all three against the Brewers. Pittsburgh has lost seven games in a row and they are last in the NL Central standings. The Pittsburgh pitching staff has a 3.89 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and a .237 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 532 runs with a .232 batting average and a .305 on base percentage this season. Oneil Cruz has led Pittsburgh with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs, while Bryan Reynolds has added 15 home runs and 71 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Bubba Chandler, who is 2-1 with a 7.36 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP over 14.2 innings pitched this season.
Why the Nationals will beat the Pirates
- The Pirates have lost each of their last seven games.
- The Nationals have won each of their last six home games against National League opponents.
- The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last six home games against National League opponents.
- The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games against National League opponents.
- The Nationals have led after 3 innings in three of their last four home games.
- The Nationals have led after 5 innings in five of their last six home games against National League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Nationals’ last six day games as favorites have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Pirates’ last four games against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Nationals’ last four games as favorites against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Pirates’ last six games as underdogs against NL East opponents.
Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts
- Josh Bell has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 13 appearances with his team as a favorite against NL Central opponents.
- Josh Bell has hit a home run in three of his last four appearances in day games against NL Central teams that held a losing record.
- Josh Bell has recorded at least one Double in each of his last three appearances with the Nationals as favorites against NL Central opponents.
Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts
- Tommy Pham has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 road appearances against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
- Tommy Pham has hit a home run in each of his last two appearances in day games against NL teams that held a losing record.
- Andrew McCutchen has recorded a Double in four of his last five appearances with his team as an underdog against the Nationals.
Nationals vs Pirates Prediction
Pittsburgh extended their losing streak with another loss on Friday night, but they did score five runs, which is a small bright spot. The Pirates are just 22-51 on the road this year, while the Nationals are 30-42 at home. Washington has scored at least six runs in three of their last five games and they are facing Chandler, who has allowed 12 earned runs and 15 hits in his last 6.2 innings. The Pirates are going against Alvarez, who has allowed two earned runs and four hits over 9.2 innings. I will not back this Pirates team right now, so give me the Nationals to win again.