Joe Ross (2-3, 3.00 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (55-51) go up against Jeremy Hellickson (7-7, 4.95 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (52-54) in the last of a four-game series at Nationals Park. The Diamondbacks won the last game 11-4 and Arizona leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 6 and will air on FSAZ and MASN.
In his last start, Ross pitched 6.1 innings, giving up two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 3-2 loss to the Mets. Yunel Escobar (.317, 51 Rs, 7 HRs, 33 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful to the Astros 9-2 the last time Hellickson pitched. He went 3.1 innings, allowing six runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking two. Paul Goldschmidt (.339, 68 Rs, 22 HRs, 78 RBIs, 19 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Diamondbacks, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one RBI, and two stolen bases.
Washington is a -147 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Nationals have a 43-31 record and overall money line at -418. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (3-1).
Moving on to the away team, the Diamondbacks come into this game with a win percentage of .485 when playing as the underdog (33-35) and an overall money line of +117. The Diamondbacks have racked up 94 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
The Nationals will take on a right-hander (Hellickson) in this game and have a 41-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Ross will take the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 40-39 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 games when playing Arizona.
Washington is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Arizona.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona.
Washington is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona.
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington.
The Nationals managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 28-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 9-44. The Diamondbacks have a 12-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 17th in home runs, Arizona has hit 95 this season. Washington ranks 12th with 105 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.36 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at third with 9.16.
Ranking 15th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.708). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .730.
When the Diamondbacks allow at least one home run, they are 26-45, well-matched with the Nationals who are 20-31 when allowing at least one homer.
