The Arizona Diamondbacks will conclude their three-game series with the Washington Nationals on Thursday at Nationals Park. We're here to share our MLB odds series, make a Diamondbacks-Nationals prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

Diamondbacks-Nationals Projected Starters 

Ryne Nelson vs. MacKenzie Gore

Ryne Nelson (4-5) with a 5.49 ERA

Last Start: Nelson was good in his last outing as he went six innings, allowing one earned run on six hits while striking out eight and walking one in a win over the Chicago White Sox. It was a nice bounce-back effort after a disastrous outing.

2024 Road Splits: Nelson has been slightly better on the road, going 1-3 with a 5.19 ERA over six games and five starts away from Nationals Park.

MacKenzie Gore (6-5) with a 3.24 ERA

Last Start: Gore had an amazing time out in his last outing, going seven innings while allowing one earned run on five hits, striking out 10, and walking one in a win over the Miami Marlins. It was his first quality start after three mediocre outings.

2024 Home Splits: Gore is 4-3 with a 3.80 ERA over nine starts at Nationals Park.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Diamondbacks-Nationals Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks: +1.5 (-172)

Moneyline: +118

Washington Nationals: -1.5 (+142)

Moneyline: -138

Over: 9 (-122)

Under: 9 (+100)

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Nationals

Time: 1:05 PM ET/10:05 AM PT

TV: MAS

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Diamondbacks Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Diamondbacks started this series with a 5-0 thumping on Tuesday in Washington. Overall, they mustered up enough runs and their pitching staff was elite to hold the Nats scoreless while allowing just four hits. It has helped spring them into the final wildcard spot in the National League while the Nats fell behind by a game. Ultimately, the offense is displaying some strengths.

The Diamondbacks are fifth in batting average and on-base percentage. They are also fifth in on-base percentage and eighth in slugging percentage. However, they have lacked some power as they are 16th in home runs. The Diamondbacks certainly have some players who can rake.

Christian Walker is having a solid season. So far, he is batting .255 with 16 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 44 runs and is well on his way to 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs if he can sustain the production. Ketel Marte clobberedd a home run in the opener. Now, he is hitting .286 with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 50 runs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had two hits and scored a run in the opener. Thus, his stats now stand at .250, with nine home runs, 42 RBIs, and 33 runs. Corbin Carroll had a triple in Tuesday's game. Yet, his number are still down as he is batting .218 with two home runs, 23 RBIs, and 43 runs.

The pitching staff has been atrocious. Sadly, they rank just 26th in team ERA. Their relievers have not been much better. Currently, the Diamondbacks are 22nd in team ERA.

The Diamondbacks will cover the spread if they can string together some hits again. Then, they need Nelson to avoid making mistakes down the heart of the plate and mow down hitters.

Why The Nationals Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Nationals have been fighting for a wildcard spot while playing mediocre baseball. Therefore, it's no surprise that this series-opening loss dropped them just behind the last spot while still holding a record under .500.

The offense has struggled, ranking 20th in batting average, 23rd in on-base percentage, and 24th in runs. Furthermore, Washington has struggled to clobber the baseball, ranking 29th in home runs and 27th in slugging percentage.

Joey Meneses is one of the top hitters. Yet, he has struggled often and is currently batting .241 with three home runs, 36 RBIs, and 16 runs. CJ Abrams is getting better as the season chugs along, carrying an 11-game hitting streak into Wednesday's action. Now, he is hitting .261 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 40 runs. Jesse Winker is capable of doing big things. Significantly, he is batting .270 with six home runs, 31 RBIs, and 33 runs.

The pitching staff has kept them afloat throughout the season. Ultimately, they are 14th in team ERA. Their relievers have also been hot and cold. Significantly, they are 16th in team ERA.

The Nationals will cover the spread if they can manage to get on base and drive runners home. Then, they need Gore to pitch well.

Final Diamondbacks-Nationals Prediction & Pick

The Diamondbacks were 34-39 against the spread after winning the series-opening matchup. Yet, the Nats are the best team in the majors against the run-line record. The Nationals are also 19-15 against the spread at home and 4-3 when they are the home favorites. But the Diamondbacks are 16-9 against the spread when they have been the away underdogs. We like Gore over Nelson because he has shown more consistency. The only worrying factor is whether the Nats will score. In this case, the Nationals will give Gore enough runs to help cover the odds.

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Final Diamondbacks-Nationals Prediction & Pick: Washington Nationals -1.5 (+142)