In the first of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (14-16) and the Washington Nationals (14-16) at Chase Field, Robbie Ray (1-0, 1.50 ERA) and Max Scherzer (2-3, 2.11 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 9:40 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 11 and will air on MASN2 and FSN-AZ.
In his last start, Ray pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out five in a 5-1 victory over the Rockies. In his pitching opportunities against the Diamondbacks, Scherzer is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA, eight strikeouts and two walks. Bryce Harper (.300, 26 Rs, 11 HRs, 28 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Arizona is a +115 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. The Diamondbacks have a losing record of 8-12 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -139. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Diamondbacks has gone great. Over that span, Arizona is averaging 6.3 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.8. The Diamondbacks have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.9 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are a superb hitting team with 9.4 hits per game, one of the highest marks in the NL. The Diamondbacks are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 27 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball.
On the other side, the Nationals have a record of 14-11 when they are favored and are -217 overall with the money line. They have played at the top of their game when rated as favorite recently. They managed a 7-1 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 8-2. Washington has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 3.2 in the NL with fourth walks per game. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Washington pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.9 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.2.
This game will feature Scherzer (RHP) on the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 9-12 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Nationals will be the right-hander Ray. They sport an 11-13 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Arizona is 8-4, while Washington is 10-7.
The Diamondbacks are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 5-9 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 3-12. The Nationals have a 4-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Arizona ranks in the bottom half of the league at 16th when it comes to home runs, hitting 27 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 32.
Ranking ninth, Washington is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.35 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at second with 9.38.
Ranking 11th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.718). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .724.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 4-6, well-matched with the Diamondbacks who are 6-12 when allowing at least one homer.
