On Saturday, August 15th, the Washington Nationals (7-10, 5-2 away) and Baltimore Orioles (11-8, 3-5 home) continue with game two of their three-game weekend series. The Nationals took game one of the series convincingly with a 15-3 victory over the Orioles Friday night.
The Nationals were swept by the Orioles earlier this month at Nationals Park. Tomorrow’s contest will be the final game between these two teams this season. First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m. EST at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.
Oddsmakers favor the Nationals -185 on the moneyline and -125 on the run line (-1.5).
What to Know – Washington Nationals
The defending World Series champions have not performed well this season, dropping ten of their first 17 games to start the season. Washington split a four-game set during the week against the New York Mets. The Nationals have only played the Mets and Orioles for their last ten games.
Patrick Corbin (2-0, 2.50 era, 1.00 whip) is scheduled to toe the rubber for the visitors. Corbin has had a nice start to the 2020 season over three starts. Over three starts and 18 innings pitched, the left-hander has stuck out 20 and allowed five earned runs.
After missing the start of the season due to a positive COVID-19 test, Juan Soto has picked up right where he left off last season. The young sensation is has collected 14 hits in 34 at-bats (.412 avg), including five home runs and 12 runs driven in over just nine games.
What to Know – Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore has been a welcome surprise this season, currently sitting in 2nd in the AL East. Before falling to the Nats on Friday night, the Orioles had won 6-straight, including 3-game sweeps of the Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies.
Asher Wojciechowski (0-2, 3.95 era, 1.17) is the scheduled starter for the home team. This will be the second time Wojciechowski has faced the Nationals, pitching 3.2 innings in a start last week. The 31-year old scattered surrendered no runs, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out 4.
Probably the biggest surprise for the Orioles has been their offense this season. The team’s .261 batting average is fourth-best in the league. Additionally, the Orioles have three players that have hit five home runs already this season. Anthony Santander (.256 AVG, five HR, 20 RBI) leads the group and is tied for the league lead in runs batted in.
The Pick is In
Baltimore has beaten any expectations analyst had for this season so far. The young squad has looked impressively lately against teams pegged to have solid 2020 seasons. Corbin should have no issues with the Orioles lineup, and Washington will get it going offensively and take advantage of the inexperience on the mound.
Washington should have no problems handling the Orioles. We like the Nationals on both the run and moneyline.
