It may really come down to who’s able to get one run across the plate tonight as Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69 ERA) and Max Scherzer (20-7, 2.96 ERA) do battle in Game 1 of the Nationals and Dodgers NLDS on Friday.
- The Dodgers won 5 of 6 matchups between these teams in the regular season.
- The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the Nationals' last 14 games as underdog.
- The Dodgers are 11-3 in their last 14 games on the road with Clayton Kershaw as the starting pitcher.
The Dodgers may not be the most cursed team in the National League but they have definitely had their share of playoff disappointments over the last 30 years. Kershaw will look to get LA’s World Series hopes back on track today as he’s allowed just six total runs in six starts since coming off the DL in September. The lefty limited the Nats to just one run in a seven-inning win back in May and will be looking for more of the same tonight.
Scherzer was one of just three starters to earn 20 wins this year as the 32-year-old ace had yet another brilliant season. The strikeout specialist was excellent at home this year as he posted a 2.56 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .193 average through 15 starts at Nationals Park.
Both of these stingy starters have elevated ERAs in the postseason so a bet on the OVER could be a sneaky good play.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those going with the Washington Nationals in this one found them listed on the odds board as moneyline underdogs of 125 at Sportsbook for Friday's contest. The betting total was hovering near 6 at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 4.6-3.2 victory for the Nationals. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Washington Nationals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Washington Nationals sport a record of 95-67 heading into this matchup, while the Los Angeles Dodgers sit at 91-71 on the season Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Los Angeles injuries news.
The Washington Nationals vs Los Angeles Dodgers odds would favor the Dodgers if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Washington is rated No. 14 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Los Angeles is at No. 7.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers rank No. 22 at 8.48 hits per game. That compares with the Washington Nationals No. 19 ranking in that category.
Comparing defensive stats, Los Angeles owns the No. 17-rated road mark, allowing 4.65 runs per game on the highway. Washington, on the other hand, rates No. 13 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Dodgers endured a 7-1 loss at the hands of the Giants on Sunday, with Kenta Maeda throwing 2.2 innings of 9-hit ball at AT&T Park.
The Nationals grabbed a win last time out, defeating T Koehler and the Marlins 10-7 on Sunday at Nationals Park.
- LA Dodgers is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
- LA Dodgers is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
- LA Dodgers is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
- Washington is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
- Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- Washington is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 12 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Los Angeles at Washington, Saturday, October 8th
