Washington Nationals vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Pittsburgh Pirates Favored Over Washington Nationals in Close Matchup after Challenging No-Hit Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a challenging game where they were no-hit by the Cubs, bringing their record to 65-74. The Washington Nationals, with a record of 62-77, have also struggled recently, losing four of their last five games. Both teams are unlikely to make the playoffs unless they have a remarkable turnaround. The game is scheduled for 6:40 P.M. EST, with Jake Irvin starting for the Nationals and Bailey Falter starting for the Pirates. Pittsburgh is the current betting favorite at -116.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Nationals +102 | Pirates -116
• Spread: Nationals +1.5 (-198) | Pirates -1.5 (+170)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 54%.

Washington vs Pittsburgh Stats

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are currently in fourth place in the National League East division, with a 62-77 overall record this season. They are 21 games back of the Phillies for first place in the division and 14 games back of a wild card spot. Despite their recent struggles, the Nationals have shown flashes of competitiveness, as seen in their last game where they lost 4-3 in 10 innings. Pitcher MacKenzie Gore had a strong performance, throwing six innings and striking out nine batters in a no-decision loss. Jake Irvin will be starting for the Nationals next, with a 9-11 record and an ERA of 4.08 this season. Washington's offense has struggled this season, ranking 14th in the league with a .244 batting average. Their power ranking is 22, with the team ranked 21 in offense and 24 in defense.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently in last place in the National League Central division with a record of 65-74. They are 15.5 games back of first place in the division and 11 games back of a wild card spot. The team has lost six of their last nine games, including a 12-0 loss to the Cubs in which they were no-hit by three pitchers. Bailey Falter will start for the Pirates, with a record of 6-6 and an ERA of 4.41. The team ranks poorly in batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs, and strikeouts. Their power ranking is 24, with an offense ranked 20th and a defense also ranked 20th. Against the Nationals, the Pirates have a .280 batting average in their three matchups this season.

Pirates vs. Nationals: Pirates Favored to Win in Close Matchup

The Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates are both non-contending teams patiently waiting for the season to conclude. Despite their lackluster performance, they will be facing off on Thursday with struggling pitchers on the mound. The Pirates, led by Bailey Falter with a 4.08 ERA at home, will have an advantage over the Nationals who have been struggling offensively, ranking second to last in home runs. Although Pittsburgh was no-hit the day before, they have shown a stronger offense against Washington with a .280 batting average in three matchups. Considering these factors, along with home-field advantage, I predict that the Pirates will cover the spread in what is expected to be a closely contested game.

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