Stephen Strasburg (8-6, 4.14 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (65-63) go up against Brad Hand (4-3, 4.23 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (52-78) in the last of a three-game division series at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 5-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30 and will air on FSFL and MASN.
In his most recent outing, Strasburg pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking one in an 8-3 victory over the Padres. Yunel Escobar (.308, 59 Rs, 9 HRs, 42 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one RBI. The Marlins were also victorious the last time Hand pitched. He pitched well, going 8.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out five in a 5-2 victory over the Pirates. Justin Bour (.250, 27 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Washington is a considerable -260 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Nationals are 51-40 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,502. They have performed well against their division to earn an SU record of 27-21 and a 25-16 record when they were the favorite. Over their past 10 games, Washington’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 5.9 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.2. Whenever an NL East opponent shows up on the calendar, the Nationals pitch better. They allow an average of 4.0 runs per game, but allow just 3.4 against teams from their own division. The Nationals don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, leading the NL with only 2.1 walks allowed per game.
Switching gears, the Marlins come into this game with a weak win percentage of .375 when playing as the underdog (30-50) and an overall money line of -2,154. Against divisional opponents, they are 18-31 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 9-15 record. The Marlins are known for their bats, hitting a league-leading 306 extra base hits. The Marlins have racked up 94 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
The Marlins have gotten the better of the Nationals in head-to-head matchups this season, going 6-5. This game will feature Hand (LHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 16-14 record when they take on a left-handed starter. The right-handed Strasburg will take the mound against the Marlins, who have a 42-60 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 32-27, while Miami is 24-42.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Marlins are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Nationals have a 27-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Marlins are 36-20. The Nationals have a 51-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th in runs, Miami has earned 477 this season. Washington ranks 13th with 543 runs.
Ranking 26th, Miami is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 307 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 411.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 48-31. When the Marlins hit at least one homer, they have a 31-38 record.
