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The Philadelphia Phillies get set to host the Washington Nationals for the first of a three-game set. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Nationals-Phillies prediction and pick.
Washington is looking to climb its way out of the gutter. The Nationals are currently in last place in the National League East. Philadelphia is in third place and remains within striking distance of the first-place New York Mets entering this series. Which division rival will have the edge in an always important NL East series?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Nationals-Phillies odds.
MLB Odds: Nationals-Phillies Odds
Washington Nationals +1.5 (-208)
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+178)
Over 7 Runs (-106)
Under 7 Runs (-114)
Why The Nationals Could Cover The Spread
The Nationals are 23-30 and in last place in the NL East. Washington has been a strange team this season, sitting seven games under .500 despite having the fifth-best team batting average at .250. The Nationals have only scored 205 runs, which is 27th in the majors. This correlation is a clear indicator of the importance of power in a lineup in today's game. Washington leaves an average of 3.56 runners in scoring position per game, which is a formula for disaster. Trea Turner has kept this team afloat as he's hitting .313 with 10 homers and 28 RBI through the first 52 games of the season.
Washington will be sending hard-throwing right-hander Max Scherzer to the bump for the opener. Mad Max leads a pitching staff that is currently in the middle of the pack in all statistical categories. The Nats ace is putting together another solid season with a 4-4 record and 2.34 ERA. He leads his club in wins, ERA, and total strikeouts at 95.
Why The Phillies Could Cover The Spread
The Phillies have managed to stay afloat in the NL East despite their several inconsistencies. The Phillies have to be pleased that they haven't played a game since Tuesday because of inclement weather. Guys with nagging injuries have had time to heal and the bullpen should be well-rested entering this series. Philadelphia currently has the 12th-best team batting average at .237 and has scored the 19th-most runs with 227. Rhys Hoskins has been the anchor in this lineup, leading his club in home runs, RBI, hits, and batting average.
Philadelphia will turn to right-hander Zack Wheeler for the series opener. Wheeler has been putting together a phenomenal season with a 4-2 record and 2.52 ERA. He has been extremely hard to hit and currently leads his club with 92 strikeouts. The Phillies starter has already seen the Nats once before this season in a game that his team won 5-2 in 10 innings back on May 12. Wheeler allowed two runs on eight hits in six innings of work.
Final Nationals-Phillies Prediction & Pick
We should have a competitive game and a fun weekend series on our hands. These teams are fairly even in many respects and the pitching matchup in the opener is a delight. In a tight game, I give the edge to the home team that has won 15 of its first 25 games at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies scored 17 runs in their most recent win against the Cincinnati Reds and will certainly look to build on that production against the last-place Nationals. Philadelphia is 5-0 in its last five home games against Washington as well. Look for them to continue that streak in the series opener.
FINAL PICK: Philadelphia Phillies ML (-114)
