Washington Nationals vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Nationals vs Pirates: Washington and Pittsburgh Look to Break Losing Streaks as they Face Off at PNC Park

The Washington Nationals (6-9) are set to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (5-11) at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, with both teams looking to break their losing streaks. Brad Lord will be starting for the Nationals, while Paul Skenes takes the mound for the Pirates. Pittsburgh is heavily favored with a money line of -220 and an over/under of 7 runs. The starting pitchers are Jake Irvin for the Nationals and Paul Skenes for the Pirates, with Pittsburgh opening as the betting favorite at -203 and the current line at Pittsburgh -210.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Nationals +187 | Pirates -210
• Spread: Nationals +1.5 (-115) | Pirates -1.5 (-103)
• Total: Over/Under 7 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 68%.

Washington vs Pittsburgh Stats

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have shown promise this season, particularly on offense. They rank 12th in batting average and 10th in OPS, averaging 4.67 runs per game. Standout performers include James Wood with five home runs and Keibert Ruiz with a .373 batting average. However, their lineup has been inconsistent with 112 strikeouts. On the pitching side, rookie Brad Lord has a 1.80 ERA and will take the mound. The Nationals' bullpen remains a concern with a last place ranking in MLB for ERA. Overall, Washington is ranked 25th in power rankings, 9th in offense, 23rd in defense, and have a record of 6-8 this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been struggling offensively, ranking last in MLB in various key categories such as batting average, OPS, and runs per game. Bryan Reynolds leads the team in home runs, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been their most consistent hitter. Despite these offensive challenges, the team has been aggressive on the bases with a high number of stolen bases. On the pitching side, Paul Skenes has been a bright spot with solid performances in his rookie season and this year. The team's bullpen has also been performing well with a solid ERA. Overall, the Pirates have a power ranking of 26 and have had a tough start to the season with a record of 5-11. They recently went 1-2 in their series against Washington.

Pitching Matchup Favors Pirates, But Nationals Have Potential Upset Chance

Paul Skenes is considered one of the top pitchers in the league, making the Pirates the clear favorites in this matchup. Conversely, Brad Lord's history suggests that the Nationals' bullpen will play a significant role in the game's outcome, despite their recent struggles. It is worth noting that Washington's bullpen has faced tough competition, with most opponents ranking in the top half of OPS, excluding the Dodgers. Pittsburgh's offense may pose less of a threat compared to previous matchups for the Nationals. While Skenes' talent is undeniable, I am hesitant to bet on the Pirates due to their large moneyline price and runline as the home team. Therefore, I believe that the Nationals have a good chance of keeping the game competitive.

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