In this article, we will formulate a Pirates vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Wednesday, April 16, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals (7-10, 2-6 Away) won two series so far, and surprisingly, it was against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, the two favored sides. Washington was on a three-game losing streak before defeating the Pirates 3-0 in Game 2 of this series. It was the first time this year the Nats didn’t allow a single run. Nasim Nunez led the offense with a pair of RBI, while Jake Irvin got the win after allowing no runs on three hits with six strikeouts and one walk over 7.0 innings of work.
This season, the Nationals average 4.56 runs per game (11th in the MLB) on a .235/.313/.391 slash line. Regarding pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.50 ERA (30th) and 1.62 WHIP (30th). Nathaniel Lowe leads the Nationals with a .267 batting average, three home runs, and 16 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Nationals is Mitchell Parker, who is 2-0 in three starts this season, with a 1.96 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 18.1 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (6-12, 4-4 Home) won their first series of the season as they beat the Cardinals 2-1, but were swept by the Reds in the next series. Pittsburgh did avoid the fourth consecutive loss with a 10-3 victory in Game 1 of the current series, but then failed to score in a 3-0 defeat. Mitch Keller took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in 6.0 innings.
This year, the Pirates average 3.53 runs per game (25th in the MLB) on a .199/.287/.302 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Pirates’ staff has a 4.26 ERA (18th) and 1.26 WHIP (15th). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a .211 batting average, two home runs, and eight RBI this season.
Bailey Falter will take the mound for the Pirates on Wednesday. The 27-year-old left-hander has a 0-2 record in three starts this season with a 7.20 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 15.0 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Nine of the Nationals’ last 10 night games against National League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Six of the Pirates’ last eight home games have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Pirates’ last seven home games against NL East opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Nationals’ last eight games as underdogs against NL Central opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pirates rank 2nd in the league for home runs allowed this season (11).
- The Pirates rank T28th in the league for home runs this season (10).
- The Nationals rank 27th in the league for hits allowed this season (162).
- The Nationals rank 26th in the league for runs allowed this season (90).
Pirates vs Nationals Prediction
The teams have traded victories in the past few years, as each recorded five in the previous ten H2H encounters. Six of the last nine H2Hs went Over, which was the case in eight of Washington’s previous ten games. We have a lefty vs. lefty pitching matchup here, and although the Pirates are not great against southpaws this season (.198 BA), they have a .364 BA in 11 at-bats against Mitchell Parker. On the other hand, Bailey Falter allowed a .312 BA in 48 at-bats against the Nationals. I am backing both offenses to score multiple runs in the opening few innings. Go with Over.