The San Francisco Giants will host the Washington Nationals for the first of a three-game set at Oracle Park on Friday night. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Nationals-Giants prediction and pick.
These teams split a four-game series in Washington the last time they clashed. Both teams have struggled lately and will look to close out the first half strong with the All-Star break around the corner, but both squads are dealing with a lot of injuries.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Nationals-Giants odds.
MLB Odds: Nationals-Giants Odds
Washington Nationals +1.5 (-155)
San Francisco Giants -1.5 (+135)
Over 8.5 Runs (-113)
Under 8.5 Runs (-107)
Why The Nationals Could Cover The Spread
The Nationals have been on a roller coaster this season. They started off slow, roared their way back, and have since fallen off again. They have lost six of their last eight games to fall to 42-44 on the season. The Nationals are currently 4.5 games back of the New York Mets in the competitive NL East. They split a four-game set against the San Diego Padres to start the week and now face another tough NL West club in the Giants.
Washington's lineup has performed well over the past few weeks, but has been missing Kyle Schwarber over the past stretch of games. Schwarber had an all-time month of June and really anchored this lineup back to relevance. The Nationals are now averaging 4.23 runs per game, which is 18th in the league. Their offense has been much better on the road with 4.93 runs per game. The problem is that they've allowed 5.03 runs per game on the road as well.
The Nationals will turn to right-hander Paolo Espino for the series opener. Espino has been very effective for the Nationals this season with a 2-2 record and 2.48 ERA through 19 appearances. He has spent most of the year in the bullpen, but the right-hander has been impressive in his three starts as well. Espino has allowed four earned runs over his last 11 1/3 innings of work.
Why The Giants Could Cover The Spread
The Giants have exceeded expectations all season long and will likely enter the All-Star break leading the way in the loaded NL West. The break is much needed for this club, though, as they have an extensive injury list with guys like Evan Longoria and Buster Posey banged up. Despite the injuries, the Giants are still 12-5 over their last 17 home games and 54-32 on the season. San Francisco currently holds a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
The Giants have been one of the most potent offensive clubs in the league this season. They have been consistently hitting the long ball and currently average 4.92 runs per game, which is the seventh-best mark in the majors. Their pitching staff has been incredible as well as they allow just 3.69 runs per game, which is the third-best mark in baseball. The Giants' +1.05 average run differential in home games explains their impressive 27-13 record at Oracle Park this season.
San Francisco will turn to right-hander Logan Webb for the series opener. Webb has been effective with a 4-3 record and 3.86 ERA through 10 appearances. The 24-year-old right-hander is having the best season of his young career and has been especially good of late. Webb has allowed one or zero runs over at least five innings in three straight starts coming in. The Giants starter will look to shake off any rust, though, as he hasn't started a big-league game since the end of May.
Final Nationals-Giants Prediction & Pick
I like the over in a game that features two productive offenses going head-to-head. The two starting pitchers in this game aren't going to overpower anyone either. The Nationals have scored 34 runs over their last four games, and we all know what the Giants' bats have done this season. San Francisco has scored at least five runs in five of its last six games coming into this series. The over has been consistently hitting in both of these teams' games, and I don't expect that to end here.
FINAL PICK: Over 8.5 Runs (-113)
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