Zack Greinke (11-2, 1.71 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (62-50) take on Joe Ross (3-3, 2.80 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (58-53) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the second of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Nationals won the last game 8-3 and Washington leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 10:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and can be seen on MASN and SNLA.
Greinke pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 10-8 win over the Phillies. Yasmani Grandal (.289, 40 Rs, 15 HRs, 44 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two RBIs. Ross went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out seven in an 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks in his last outing. Bryce Harper (.333, 77 Rs, 29 HRs, 69 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Los Angeles is a -176 favorite against Washington and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at six runs. The Dodgers have an overall money line of -1,057 and a record as the favorite of 55-44. The Dodgers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.4 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.2 runs per game. The Dodgers are one of the best in the MLB in terms of home runs with 137. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.5 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.7. The Dodgers are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.2 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Dodgers, who lead the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
Over in the other dugout, Washington is coming in with an overall money line of -791 and a disappointing record of 12-19 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-3 record when playing as the underdog. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Nationals have the fewest in the NL with only 2.2 walks allowed per game.
The Dodgers have a 54-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Ross takes the mound. Greinke (RHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 43-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Dodgers are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 10 strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 11-17 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 9-46. The Dodgers have a 12-36 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Washington has hit 112 this season. Los Angeles ranks fifth with 137 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.38 per game. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.51.
Ranking 13th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.715). Los Angeles ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .759.
The Nationals are 23-33 when they allow at least one home run. The Dodgers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 26-35 record.