An enticing matchup out on the East Coast will be underway as the terrorizing Baltimore Orioles take on the Washington Nationals. Join us for our MLB odds series where our Orioles-Nationals prediction and pick will be revealed.
As it stands, the Orioles are equipped with a phenomenal record of 23-12 35 games into the marathon of the MLB season. Last time out on the diamond, it was Baltimore that tormented the Cincinnati Reds en route to blasting them by a score of 11-However, Baltimore’s winning streak that had reached four games overall ultimately came to an end thanks to a 3-0 loss at the hands of these Nationals. In line for the start from the mound is scheduled to be Kyle Bradish. Although he is 0-0 on the year, he boasts a shiny 1.93 ERA.
Despite looking like a much-improved team from recent years past, the Nationals still remain just one game above .500 at 18-17 overall. Nonetheless, the Nats’ win over a World Series-caliber team like the Orioles is certainly a confidence boost. After shutting out Baltimore on Tuesday, Washington will turn to the services of the southpaw in Mitchell Parker who is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Orioles-Nationals Odds
Baltimore Orioles: -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: -176
Washington Nationals: +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +148
Over: 8.5 (-115)
Under: 8.5 (-105)
How to Watch Orioles vs. Nationals
Time: 6:40 ET/3:40 PT
TV: MLB.TV
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Orioles Will Cover The Spread/Win
Known as the “Battle of the Beltways” the Orioles-Nationals rivalry is an underrated one to say the least. Even though some would consider it as a rivalry that doesn’t necessarily may not move the needle in comparison to other rivalries around the league, but it is always a privilege for fans when these two square off in inter-league play.
In order for Baltimore to take care of business and avoid a let-down, all the Orioles have to do is play their brand of baseball. Not needing an introduction, Kyle Bradish finished fourth in the AL Cy Young award race after experiencing a break-out year in 2023. Throughout his career against the Nationals, Bradish is a combined 2-0 and has yet to give up a run during those starts. If he is throwing his fastball at top velocity and is getting a superb amount of movement on his breaking balls, then the ‘Nats could be in for a long day.
Fortunately, even if Bradish gets roughed up from the mound in rare fashion, at least Baltimore can turn to the talents of switch-hitting catcher Alley Rutschman. At the age of 26, Rutschman has stormed onto the scene and is putting together the pieces of an incredible start to the campaign at the plate. At a glance, the Baltimore backstop is hitting a lethal .322 from the plate and is even showing off his pop en route to five home runs reaching the outfield bleachers. There is a whole lot of names on this team that stand out, and there is no doubt Rutschman is near the top of that list.
Why The Nationals Will Cover The Spread/Win
Like previously mentioned, the Nationals rebuild looks to be heading in the right direction. While their numbers on paper aren’t eye-popping, they have proven to be at the minimum a middle-of-the-pack team that deserves a little more attention than what the sports media is giving them.
Overtaking the Orioles is surely going to be no easy task, but Mitchell Parker could end up being up for the task. Believe it or not, but Parker has given up three runs or less in all four of his starts this season. Indeed, Washington may have a rising left-handed hurler on their hands, and he could very well end up being responsible for covering the spread.
Lastly, the combination of Luis Garcia Jr. and CJ Abrams is good enough to make a grown man cry. More specifically, Nationals fans have to be pleased with how they’re hitting the baseball to begin the 2024 season. Overall, the dynamic duo has amassed for 69 hits total between the two of them and there is nothing to suggest that they will be slowing down anytime soon.
Final Orioles-Nationals Prediction & Pick
Don’t get it twisted, folks. While the Washington Nationals are an up-and-coming team and are showing some glimpses of promise, defeating the Baltimore Orioles for the second straight time seems like a hefty ask. This contrast will most likely be close, but by the final out is recorded, it will be the O’s that are the victors.
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Final Orioles-Nationals Prediction & Pick: Orioles -1.5 (-110)
