Just one game remains for both the Nationals and Pirates before Washington heads off to the postseason and Pittsburgh will be looking to close out their season on a high note. The Bucs claimed victory last night as massive +245 underdogs and they could be a good bet again today.
- The Pirates are 9-1 on the runline in their last 10 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Pirates last 5 games as moneyline underdogs of +150 or more.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Pirates last 7 games against the Nats as underdogs of +150 or more.
Sending out Steven Brault (3.86 ERA) the Bucs are giving themselves a good chance to have the last laugh this afternoon. The 25-year-old lefty has made just three starts this season but he’s been solid when called upon and he had a 2.38 ERA in 19 innings pitched in the month of September.
Washington will call upon Gio Gonzalez (15-8, 2.75 ERA) for the final time this season but the resurgent veteran has been getting knocked around of late. He put together a 4.09 ERA in baseball’s final month and will likely be on a short leash this afternoon with the playoffs right around the corner.
With nothing but pride left to play for, a gamble on the Pirates juice might not be the worst move today.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Washington Nationals were listed as -170 moneyline favorites earlier in the day at Sportsbook, while odds makers set the Sportsbook total line around 8.5 earlier at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.0-4.2 victory for the Pirates. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Washington Nationals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
97-64 Washington battles the Pirates, currently with a 74-87 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
The Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings have the Washington Nationals at No. 18 and the Pittsburgh Pirates at No. 23 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington Nationals No. 6-rated offense, averaging 5.04 runs per game, against a Pittsburgh Pirates defense that ranks No. 13 at 4.49 in runs allowed per game. The Washington Nationals have averaged 9.04 hits per game so far, more than Pittsburgh Pirates batters have averaged on the year (8.17 hits per game).
Washington owns the No. 5 defense, allowing 5.04 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Pittsburgh's No. 13-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Pittsburgh got the job done in their last match in a 4-1 victory over Washington on Saturday at Nationals Park behind starter Jameson Taillon.
- Pittsburgh is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
- Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
- Pittsburgh is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Pittsburgh's last 20 games
- Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
- Washington is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to , Wednesday, December 31st
Washington home to Chicago, Friday, October 6th
