Jordan Zimmermann (3-2, 3.66 ERA) and Adam Warren (2-2, 4.50 ERA) take the hill in the second of a two-game series between the Washington Nationals (23-17) and the New York Yankees (22-18) at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 8-6 and Washington leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 20 and can be seen on YES and MASN.
Zimmermann pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 10-0 win over the Padres. Bryce Harper (.336, 37 Rs, 15 HRs, 38 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Warren went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 3-2 defeat to the Rays in his last outing. Mark Teixeira (.258, 20 Rs, 12 HRs, 30 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Yankees, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Washington is a -144 favorite against New York and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Nationals have recorded an overall money line of +41 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 19-12. Washington is an impressive 8-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Nationals have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 7.5 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 5.0 runs per game. Washington’s pitchers fall apart when American League teams are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game rises to 7.3 against AL teams, compared to its 4.3 season average.
In games where it is the underdog, New York has a 11-9 record and an overall money line of +457. New York is 2-1 SU against interleague opponents. The Yankees can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking fifth in the league with 47 home runs. New York is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 7.0 per game, ranking fifth in the AL. The Yankees have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.5 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Nationals have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Nationals have a 16-15 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Warren takes the mound. Zimmermann (RHP) will be on the hill against the Yankees, who have a 16-12 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
The Nationals are 3-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees are 0-3 in such matchups.
The Yankees managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with an 8-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Yankees are 4-14. The Nationals have a 5-16 record when opponents outhit them.
Washington ranks in the top 10 of the league at sixth when it comes to home runs, hitting 45 this season. New York ranks in the top five at fifth with 47.
Ranking ninth, New York is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.38 per game. Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.92.
Ranking ninth, New York is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.726). Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .752.
The Yankees are 12-12 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 7-8 when they allow at least one homer.
