Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7/9/2018 Prediction & Odds

Nationals vs. Pirates Monday Prediction

The Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates will open a new series at PNC Park starting on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. Will Game 1 of the series cash the under for bettors?

Game Snapshot & Odds

901 Washington Nationals (-107) at 902 Pittsburgh Pirates (-103); 9 runs

Monday, July 9, 2018

7:05 p.m. ET, PNC Park

TV: WSH (MSN2)

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Public Betting Trends

Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Nationals as a -107 favorite. As of this writing, 64% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Nationals to beat the Pirates 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 recalling Rodriguez to join starting rotation Monday

Nationals recalled RHP Jefry Rodriguez from Triple-A Syracuse. Rodriguez could join the Nats' rotation in place of Erick Fedde, who was placed on the disabled list Thursday in a corresponding roster move because of inflammation in his right shoulder. Rodriguez, 24, has a 5.93 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance this season at the big league level. He shouldn't be a fantasy consideration, no matter the role.

Pirates' Nova sets bad franchise record in loss to Dodgers

Ivan Nova allowed seven earned runs, nine hits and two walks over five innings with three strikeouts in a loss on the road against the Dodgers on Tuesday. Nova served up five home runs in the ugly outing, including two to Max Muncy, and he also hit Joc Pederson with a pitch. Nova struggled by throwing just 13 first-pitch strikes to the 25 batters he faced while his ERA mushroomed from 4.02 to 4.48 ERA. He became the Pirates pitcher in the franchise's 132-year history to allow five homers in a single game. He'll look to rebound next Monday at home against the Nationals to kick off a two-start week.

MLB Betting Trends

Washington

The Nationals are just 1-8 in their last nine road games.

Pittsburgh

The Pirates have dropped seven of their last nine games at home.

Prediction:

Throw out Nova's last start. I expect he'll be much sharper on Monday night. The under is 44-18-6 in the Nationals' last 68 road games, is 13-5-2 in their last 20 games played on Monday, and is 26-11 in their last 37 games facing a right-handed starter. Meanwhile, the under is 9-1-1 in Nova's last 11 home starts versus a team with a winning record, is 16-5 in his last 12 home starts, and is 10-4-1 in his last 15 outings when facing an opponent with a winning record.

 

The Pick: Nationals/Pirates under 9