Dodgers vs. Nationals Friday Prediction
The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their six-game losing streak on Thursday afternoon with a win over the Marlins. Now they face a daunting task on Friday when they open a new series with the Washington Nationals and Max Scherzer. What’s the best bet for tonight’s game?
Game Snapshot & Odds
901 Los Angeles Dodgers (+190) at 902 Washington Nationals (-220); 7 runs
Friday, May 18, 2018
7:05 p.m. ET, Nationals Park
TV: LAD (SNLA); WSH (MASN)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Nationals as a -220 favorite. As of this writing, 73% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Nationals to beat the Dodgers 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.
Dodgers’ Stripling strikes out seven in no-decision
Ross Stripling gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings on Saturday in a no decision against the Reds. Stripling struck out seven, and he didn’t walk anyone while scattering six hits. The 28-year-old right-hander was dominant over the first four innings, but he lost feel for his stuff in the later innings; which has become a common thread over his starts. He’ll be tough to trust when he’s back on the mound on Friday in Washington against the Nationals.
Nationals’ Scherzer strikes out 11 in seventh victory
Max Scherzer moved to 7-1 after allowing one run in seven innings Friday against the Diamondbacks. Par for the course for Scherzer of late. He struck out 11, giving him six games of 10 strikeouts in nine tries. He still hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any outing. He’s a clear Cy Young favorite at this point.
MLB Betting Trends
Los Angeles
The Dodgers are 8-3 in their last 11 games in Washington and have won five of their last seven games versus the Nationals overall.
Washington
The under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams and is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Washington.
Prediction:
We know what to expect out of Scherzer, who owns a 2.33 ERA to match an impressive 35.7% strikeout rate and 6.8% walk rate. He’ll shut down a Dodgers lineup that couldn’t generate many runs against Miami’s pitching staff until the final game of the series. But what about Stripling? He too has been solid, posting a 3.32 ERA, a 24.7% strikeout rate and a 6.6% walk rate. He’s also limiting hard contact (27.3%) and generating ground balls at a healthy rate (47.4%). Thus, this has the makings of a low-scoring game with both pitchers faring well.
The Pick: Dodgers/Nationals under 7