It’s a big night for Philadelphia heading into the August 2nd Phillies at Nationals matchup. The Phillies are 3.5 games back from the Mets in the NL East, and need a big series as New York visits last place Miami this week. Despite being in the bigger spot, Philadelphia is just a -115 favorite on Monday night (WAS -105).
The Nationals were sellers at the trade deadline, but ended up taking two of three from the Cubs over the weekend. Washington is ‘only’ 6.5 games back in the East but are in 4th in the division. A win at home over one of the teams ahead of them would be huge for Dave Martinez’ team in this matchup.
Philly Bats Were Hot Sunday
The Phillies were able to avoid a sweep at the hand of the Pirates with a 15-4 win on Sunday as -152 favorites. It was a break offensive breakout after Philadelphia managed to plate just 2 runs total in losses on Friday and Saturday. The Phillies belted out 20 hits in the win, including a 5-6 day from J.T. Realmuto and 3 hits and 3 runs scored by Bryce Harper.
Harper has been on fire over the past week with 8 hits in his last 15 AB while also drawing 7 BBs for a .682 OBP over the past six games. Now the big question for the Philadelphia offense in the August 2nd Phillies at Nationals contest is if what they have left after such a huge output on Sunday? The Phillies also put up 11 runs last Thursday in a win over the Nationals. Philly took 2 of 3 in that series, but are just 5-13 in their last 18 games at Nationals Park.
Ranger Suarez takes the ball for Joe Girardi on Monday in his first start of the season after serving as the team’s closer for most of the season. The left-hander has a 1.12 ERA on the year, but what will his pitch count be for Monday’s contest? Suarez hasn’t allowed a run in four outings vs. the Nats this season.
Washington With Some Mini Momentum
The Nationals aren’t completely giving up hope after trading Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber, among others last week. Even after the purge, Washington managed to take 2 of 3 at home from the Cubs over the weekend, although Chicago is in a rebuild as well.
Washington has a tough matchup against Suarez on Monday – at least for a few innings. The current roster is just 3 for 17 (.176) as a team vs. the left-hander and are just 3-8 in their last 11 vs. a Southpaw starter. Juan Soto has powered the Nationals recently with a .400 average over the past week.
The Nationals will debut Josiah Gray in Monday night’s matchup. The 23-year old came over in the Max Scherzer trade, and is ranked 59th in the Baseball America Top 100 prospect list. The right-hander has still made just two previous MLB appearances.
Free August 2nd Phillies at Nationals Pick
There are a lot of pitching unknowns in this matchup, which is why oddsmakers have released such a tight line. Suarez is making his first start since 2018 while Gray has only made two prior MLB appearances. You have to go with the over 8.5 in that situation.
Nationals 6 – Phillies 5
Free Pick: Over 8.5
