In the first of a two-game series between the Washington Nationals (22-17) and the New York Yankees (22-17) at Nationals Park, Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 4.25 ERA) and Nathan Eovaldi (3-1, 4.14 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 19 and will air on YES and MASN.
Gonzalez is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA, 33 strikeouts and 22 walks against the Yankees in his career. Bryce Harper (.338, 36 Rs, 14 HRs, 37 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again Sunday, going 3 for 4 with three runs, one home run, and four RBIs. In his pitching opportunities against the Nationals, Eovaldi is 2-4 with a 4.76 ERA. He meets a solid Washington offense that’s batting .262. Brett Gardner (.303, 25 Rs, 3 HRs, 16 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Nationals have an SU record of 1-2 against the American League. Washington has averaged 7.5 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 5.0. Washington’s pitchers struggle against teams that play in the American League. The Nationals have given up an average of 7.3 runs to opponents from the AL, well over their defense’s season average of 4.3.
When playing NL opponents, the Yankees have a 2-1 record SU. The Yankees are known for their power, smashing 46 home runs. The Yankees average just 7.0 strikeouts per road game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. The New York pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per game.
This game will feature Eovaldi (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 16-15 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Yankees will be the left-hander Gonzalez. They sport a 6-5 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 12-7, while New York is 8-10.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Yankees have a 4-3 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Yankees are 4-13. The Nationals have a 5-16 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking eighth in home runs, Washington has hit 41 this season. New York ranks fifth with 46 home runs.
Ranking ninth, New York is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.38 per game. Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.92.
Ranking ninth, New York is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.730). Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .745.
When the Yankees allow at least one home run, they are 12-11. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 6-8 record.
