The rivalry between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals may not get as much publicity as others around the major leagues, but the animosity is still strong in the Beltway Series. The Orioles have traditionally gotten the best of the Nats with Baltimore going 17-7 against Washington since the start of the 2012 season. The only time the Nationals ever won the season series between the two clubs came way back in 2007.
The Nationals have the pitching edge in the series opener Monday with Gio Gonzalez taking the mound. The lefty paces the National League in ERA (1.64) and has only given up eight extra-base hits through seven starts. Comparably, the Orioles will start a very fresh Kevin Gausman, who went only one inning in his last start before being ejected. However, Gausman has a 7.55 ERA on the season and allowed at least five runs in the three games prior to his last start.
To top it off, Gausman will be facing the best offense in baseball. The Nationals are first in runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper all sit in the top 10 in the MLB in RBIs and batting average. Harper has missed the past three games with a groin injury but is expected to be back in the lineup Monday.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had set the Baltimore Orioles as -107 favorites on the moneyline for this contest. The over under was hovering near 8.5 for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 4.6-4.3 victory for the Orioles. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Baltimore (20-10) will face the 21-10 Nationals in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Baltimore vs Washington injuries news.
The Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings have the Baltimore Orioles at No. 15 and the Washington Nationals at No. 1 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Baltimore Orioles No. 19-rated offense, averaging 4.4 runs per game, against a Washington Nationals defense that ranks No. 16 at 4.55 in runs allowed per game. The Baltimore Orioles have averaged 8.67 hits per game so far, less than Washington Nationals batters have averaged on the year (10.13 hits per game).
Defensively, Washington features the No. 22-rated defense on the road, allowing 5 runs per game. Baltimore, meanwhile, comes in at No. 25 at home, scoring 3.79 runs per game.
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Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Baltimore, Tuesday, May 9th