Jimmy Nelson (3-6, 4.05 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (24-38) meet Joe Ross (0-1, 5.40 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (31-30) in the third of a four-game series at Miller Park. The Brewers won the last game 8-4 and Milwaukee leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 13 and will air on MASN and FSN-WI.
In his last start, Nelson pitched 6.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 2-0 victory over the Pirates. Ryan Braun (.271, 35 Rs, 13 HRs, 41 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs. The Nationals were unsuccessful the last time Ross pitched. He tossed, going 5.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out four in a 4-2 loss to the Cubs. Bryce Harper (.333, 47 Rs, 21 HRs, 49 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Milwaukee, a -130 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Washington. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Brewers have a losing record of 6-15 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of -1,359. Milwaukee’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 2.5 during that span, compared to its 4.6 season average. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.3 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Nationals have a subpar record of 5-9 when they are the underdog and are -473 overall with the money line. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.3 runs per game. Washington has an eye for the strike zone, ranking 3.1 in the NL with fourth walks per game. Shifting to the pitching staff, they allow just 2.5 walks per game, good for second in the NL. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 7.8 strikeouts per road game.
The previous two games have all gone Milwaukee’s way. The Brewers will take on a right-hander (Ross) in this game. They have done very poorly against right-handed starting pitchers this season (17-31), especially at home where they have a 8-16 record. Taking the hill against the Nationals will be the right-hander Nelson. They sport a 22-25 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Nationals play into extra innings, they have a 4-1 record. The Brewers are 2-2 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Brewers have a 9-14 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 6-30. The Nationals have a 6-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Milwaukee ranks in the top half of the league at 12th when it comes to home runs, hitting 58 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 65.
Ranking 15th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.80 per game. Washington ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.43.
Ranking 28th, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.666). Washington ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .719.
The Nationals are 9-17 when they allow at least one home run. The Brewers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 15-26 record.
