We have a MLB pick today along with our Senators at Penguins NHL pick. Our MLB pick has the Washington Nationals (22-12 Overall, 10-6 Home) hosting the Philadelphia Phillies (13-9 Overall, 5-11 Away). The Nationals will play tonight after a two-day period of postponed games. So the team is rested. The Phillies got one extra day of rest due to the weather. Our Phillies play Nationals MLB free pick has Philadelphia at +160 and Washington at -160 with the totals bet at 8.5.
Pitching
The two pitchers who were slated to start on Friday will, instead, start today in this game. For the Phillies, it’s right-hander Nick Pivetta (0-2, 5.40). Pivetta is a former Washington prospect. On May 5 when he last faced the Nationals, he was rocked, giving up three homeruns. The Nationals scored a total of four runs on nine hits. In each of his first two MLB games, he’s lasted five innings for a total of 10 IP. Over those 10 innings this year, he’s allowed six runs on 18 hits.
The Nationals start right-hander Tanner Roark (3-1, 3.46). Over the course of his career, Roark is 5-5 with a 3.21 ERA. Roark has seven starts this season and has averaged six innings pitched per game. In his last start against the Phills, where he got no decision, he allowed two runs on two hits. Neither run was earned. Prior to that start, he lost for the first time in 2017. That was against Arizona where he allowed four runs on six hits. In his other start against Philadelphia this season, he got no decision, lasting seven innings and giving up two runs on four hits. His last win was April 26 against the Rockies. The final score in that game was 11-4.
Hitting
For Philadelphia, Aaron Altherr is hitting the ball well. He’s batting .351 with 27 RBI and seven homers. At .324, Cesar Hernandez is second on the Phills in batting average. He has 10 RBI and four round trippers. Daniel Nava is batting .304. Odubel Herrera leads the team in doubles with 10.
For the Nationals, Ryan Zimmerman (.393), Bryce Harper (.373) and Daniel Murphy (.331) are all massive hitters. Zimmerman has 13 doubles, 13 homers, and 34 RBI while Harper has notched nine doubles, 10 homeruns, and 29 RBI. Not to be outdone, Murphy has hit six homers and 10 doubles while driving in 30 runs.
Phillies Play Nationals MLB Free Pick
The Nationals have been struggling in later innings due to injuries in the bullpen. The good news is right-handed relievers Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover are off the disabled list as of Friday. Their return should help. The Phillies have a penchant for giving up homers. Thus far Philly pitching has allowed 59 round trippers. That may haunt them today. Especially when they go up against a team that is batting .283 with 55 round trippers. Our Phillies play Nationals MLB free pick is the over at 8.5 runs at -108 and Washington at -160.
Phillies Play Nationals MLB Free Pick: over at 8.5 runs and -108 and Washington at -160
