In the last of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (61-61) and the Milwaukee Brewers (53-71) at Nationals Park, Jordan Zimmermann (9-8, 3.44 ERA) and Matt Garza (6-13, 4.98 ERA) take the mound. The Nationals won the last game 6-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23 and will air on FSWI and MAS2.
In his last start, Zimmermann pitched 6.0 innings, giving up four runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 15-6 victory over the Rockies. Bryce Harper (.329, 85 Rs, 31 HRs, 74 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Brewers were unsuccessful the last time Garza pitched. He did not do well, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing five runs and striking out two in a 6-2 loss to the Marlins. Khris Davis (.240, 33 Rs, 15 HRs, 43 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Washington, a -156 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Milwaukee. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. The Nationals are 47-38 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,504. The Nationals come into the game with the fifth-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 4.2 runs per game. The Nationals typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 3.1 walks per home game. Washington’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Nationals have given up an average of 5.6 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.1 runs per game. The Nationals are the best in the NL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.2 per game.
Across the field, the Brewers have a subpar record of 29-44 when they are the underdog and are -1,695 overall with the money line. They have played poorly as the underdog as of late. They managed a 1-3 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 5-5. Milwaukee’s pitching staff and defense as a whole has been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking third in the NL with only three runs allowed per road game. They also allow just 8.3 hits per road game, good for fifth in the NL.
The Nationals will take on a right-hander (Garza) in this game and have a 44-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Zimmermann will take the mound against the Brewers, who have a 38-56 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Brewers have a 14-31 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 9-53. The Brewers have a 10-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Milwaukee ranks in the bottom half of the league at 20th when it comes to home runs, hitting 108 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 11th with 123.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.30 per game. Milwaukee ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.45.
Ranking 22nd, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.698). Washington ranks in the bottom half at 17th with an OPS of .711.
The Brewers are 31-49 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 25-37 when they allow at least one homer.
