The Washington Nationals will finish their three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. We're here to share our MLB odds series, make a Nationals-Phillies prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Nationals are playing up-and-down baseball. Significantly, they are finding ways to compete and look good in many of their games. But they entered Saturday's action in a three-game losing streak. Furthermore, the Nats entered the day with a 6-8 record through 14 games in the month.
The Phillies are currently the best team in baseball. Remarkably, they have done everything right this season and continue to move the needle. Philadelphia is also 12-3 over the first 15 games this month. Therefore, they have been hot and don't look to be cooling down anytime soon.
Trevor Williams starts for the Nationals. He is 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA. Recently, he tossed five innings while allowing one earned run on three hits in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox.
Aaron Nola starts for the Phillies. He is 5-2 with a 3.10 ERA. Amazingly, he just tossed a complete-game shutout while allowing four hits and striking out eight in a dominating win over the New York Mets. Despite being a dominating pitcher throughout his career, he has been inconsistent against the Nationals. Overall, he is 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA and 186 strikeouts over 30 games against the Nats.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Nationals-Phillies Odds
Washington Nationals: +1.5 (-104)
Moneyline: +215
Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (-115)
Moneyline: -260
Over: 7.5 (-122)
Under: 7.5 (+100)
How to Watch Nationals vs. Phillies
Time: 1:35 PM ET/10:35 AM PT
TV: MASN
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Nationals Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Nationals still are not good hitters. Despite their best efforts, hitting the baseball has continued to prove difficult. The Nats are 27th in batting average and runs. Additionally, they are 18th in on-base percentage, 29th in home runs, and 28th in slugging percentage.
CJ Abrams is where things start and finish with the Nationals. Significantly, he is hitting .261 with seven home runs, 20 RBIs, and 27 runs. Look for him to continue to be a force in this lineup. Meanwhile, the Nats need more from the rest of their hitters. Eddie Rosario is one of those hitters. So far, he is batting .179 with five home runs, 12 RBIs, and 15 runs. That will not get the job done in most cases. Then, they need some help from others like Joey Meneses. Yes, he is struggling at the plate. Meneses is hitting just .220 with one home run, 21 RBIs, and seven runs. While the potential is there, he is not doing enough to lead this team.
But the thing that has helped the Nationals improve this season has been their pitching. So far, they are 11th in team ERA and continue to make strides on the mound. Williams has been a pleasant surprise and hopes to continue his success. Then, when he is done for the day, he will rely on a bullpen that ranks ninth in the majors in team ERA.
The Nationals will cover the spread if their lineup can get them four runs. Then, they need Williams to continue his exceptional season by tossing six innings while allowing one earned run.
Why The Phillies Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Phillies love bashing the baseball. Currently, they are fourth in batting average and on-base percentage. The Phillies are also second in runs, seventh in home runs, and sixth in slugging percentage.
Bryce Harper never wavers at any opportunity to hit the baseball against the team that drafted him. Now, he gets another chance. Harper is batting .263 with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 26 runs this season. Ultimately, he is a force in this lineup and as dangerous as ever. The Phillies are missing an important piece of their lineup. Unfortunately, Trea Turner is dealing with a hamstring injury. That means someone else must step up. Thus, Kyle Schwarber will try and get things going. Schwarber is batting .218 with nine home runs, 28 RBIs, and 33 runs. Therefore, expect him to try and get the barrel of the bat and take a ball deep.
The Phillies are also excelling at getting hitters out. Significantly, they have the third-best pitching staff in baseball. But their starters have had to carry the mantle because their bullpen has not done a good job. Unfortunately, their relievers rank 19th in team ERA.
The Phillies will cover the spread if they can generate some scoring chances and drive some runners home. Then, they need Nola to pitch well.
Final Nationals-Phillies Prediction & Pick
The Phillies are still scoring runs even without Turner. However, Williams will be the best pitcher they have faced in a while. Can they overcome him? We believe they will. Consider the fact that the Phillies have hit the under in two of their last eight games. Even when they face an obstacle, this team finds a way to overcome it. The Phillies are simply too hot right now. While they may struggle to hit Williams initially, they will solve him. He is long overdue for a loss. The Phillies cover the spread.
Click here for more betting news and predictions
Final Nationals-Phillies Prediction & Pick: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (-115)
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