Nationals vs. Phillies Saturday Prediction
The Washington Nationals evened their series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night by scoring 17 runs in a 17-7 rout. What can bettors expect from Saturday’s matchup when the division rivals meet at 6:05 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
955 Washington Nationals (-105) at 956 Philadelphia Phillies (-115); 9 runs
Saturday, June 30, 2018
6:05 p.m. ET, Citizens Bank Park
TV: WSH (MSN2); PHI (CSP)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Phillies as a -115 favorite. As of this writing, 72% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Phillies to beat the Nationals on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Nationals’ Hellickson coming off rehab start
Jeremy Hellickson (hamstring) is expected to make a minor league rehab start this weekend. Manager Dave Martinez said the plan is for Hellickson to throw 5-6 innings before rejoining the Nats’ rotation late next week. Now pitching for his fifth team in five seasons, the right-hander holds an impressive 2.28 ERA over nine outings for Washington this year. Unfortunately he’s won just two of those starts while contributing a lackluster 7.06 K/9.
Phillies’ Velasquez solid for six innings vs. Yankees
Vince Velasquez pitched six innings and allowed two runs Monday in a loss to the Yankees. Velasquez still isn’t putting together back-to-back quality starts, but he has been more good than bad lately. He’s 5-8 with a 4.69 ERA overall, but that includes his 1-4 record and 5.70 ERA from April. He’ll get the Nationals next time out.
MLB Betting Trends
Washington
The Nationals have lost six of their last seven games on the road.
Philadelphia
The Phillies have won five of their last seven games coming off a loss.
Prediction:
The Nationals have won five of Hellickson’s last six starts, are 5-1 in his last six outings after scoring five runs or more in their previous game, and are 10-2 in their last 12 road games when facing an opponent with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Meanwhile, the Phillies have lost six of Velasquez’s last seven starts, are 1-4 in his last five home outings, and are an ugly 3-14 in his last 17 starts when he’s coming off four days of rest.
The Pick: Washington Nationals -105