Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Free O/U Pick, 7–23–2017
Free MLB Pick by Peter Trell of King Sports Picks
Washington Nationals (58–38) at Arizona Diamondbacks (56–41)
MLB: Saturday, July 23, 4:10 PM EST | Line: Washington -115 | Arizona +105 | 8.5
Featured Matchup by Peter Trell
The rubber match of a 3 game series as the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Washington Nationals. Arizona took Game 1, 6–5, while the Nationals won Game 2, 4–3.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals Stephen Strasburg (10–3, 3.31) vs. Diamondbacks Robbie Ray (9–4, 2.97 ERA)
Stephen Strasburg will get the ball and the Nationals have hopes that their ace can pick up the series win. The hard-throwing right-hander has pitched seven innings in three out of his last four starts and features a 1.10 WHIP to go along with a 10–3 record in 119.2 innings of work. He has pitched well against Arizona in his career, posting a 4–2 record with a 3.28 ERA in eight career starts.
Washington’s pitching staff is ranked 10th in MLB with a 4.10 ERA but their confidence is high every time they take the mound knowing they have the 2nd ranked offense in baseball. One of the leaders of this offense is former MVP Bryce Harper. Harper has been tearing it up lately, driving in 9 runs with 4 home runs over his last seven games.
Robbie Ray takes the hill with hopes of notching his 10th win of the season. Ray notched another Quality Start in his latest performance, holding the Reds to only two runs in six innings, leading to the victory. The young left-hander is having a tremendous season, sporting a stifling 2.97 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP to go with a 9–4 record in 112 innings logged. The Diamondbacks are 2nd in the Majors with a team ERA of 3.52.
The Diamondbacks also have a dangerous lineup and are scoring an average of 5.07 runs per game, good for sixth in the Majors, and are hitting .259 as a team. Paul Goldschmidt has been the most consistent hitter in the lineup and is batting .310, 21 HR’s and 73 RBI’s.
The Diamondbacks are a dominant 30–12 at home this season and Washington has played tremendous on the road with a 32–19 record. Both starting pitchers have pitched very well which is why I see value in the O/U in this matchup. The Under is 10–2–1 in Nationals last 13 vs. National League West, the Under is 10–3 in Nationals last 13 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5–1–2 in Diamondbacks last 8 home games. Under is 5–2 in Diamondbacks last 7 vs. National League East.
I see this game falling in line with Game 2, in a low scoring, old school ball game and going Under 8.5 runs. Both pitchers bring their A games in this matchup and we’ll see the total fall Under this line.
Nationals vs Diamondbacks FREE MLB Pick: Under 8.5
