MLB Predictions: Can the Marlins upset the Nationals? 8/29/17
Can the Washington Nationals holds off the surging Miami Marlins at home when the two meet up tonight at 7:05PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for this game.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Nationals are favored at home tonight, as they are getting odds of -140 to win. The Marlins are getting a money line of +130 to win, while the over/under total has been set at 9.5 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup tonight has Vance Worley (2-3, 5.70 ERA) on the mound for Miami to face Edwin Jackson (4-3, 2.93) of the Nationals. Worley is coming off an 8-run outing against the Phillies last week. He now has 40 strikeouts with 20 walks and a 1.53 WHIP. Since joining the Nationals, Jackson has done pretty well. He has allowed 14 earned runs over seven starts. Jackson has 32 strikeouts with 15 walks and a 1.35 WHIP this season.
RECORDS
Washington opened this series with an 11-2 win on Monday. The Nationals have won three straight meetings with Miami, all at home. Washington is now 79-51 overall and 38-27 at home. Miami is 66-64 overall and 31-35 on the road.
MONDAY’S RECAP
The Nationals piled up the runs on Monday, getting to all three Miami pitchers. Jose Urena gave up four runs in four innings to take the loss. Max Scherzer had another great start for Washington, allowing just one run over seven innings with 10 strikeouts. He is now 13-5 on the season. Howie Kendrick led the Nationals with two hits and three RBI while Matt Wierters and Jayson Werth each drove in a pair of runs. Marcell Ozuna had three hits and a RBI to lead the Marlins.
MLB PREDICTIONS
The oddsmakers still don’t put a lot of faith in Jackson, but he has been pretty steady for the Nationals. While he isn’t likely to shutdown an opponent like Scherzer, he is going to keep his team in the game. Worley can’t say the same, as he has been lit up a few times. Despite being without Bryce Harper, Washington still has plenty of strong bats.
MLB Predictions – Washington Nationals -140