Considering how far the MLB season has gone, the Washington Nationals (62-70) are playing against the Pittsburgh Pirates (66-74) in a game that, on all counts, will be a closely contested match at PNC Park. The significance of this game is believed to be more than just the stats and the position of the teams, as they are both seeking to better their rank. Read this premium game analysis to understand which side could be more valuable in such an exciting clash.
Nationals vs. Pirates Game 1 9/7/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:35 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Park |
| Watch: | SportsNet PT, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Nationals odds: | -102 Moneyline |
| Pirates odds: | -115 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8.5 |
Nationals (62-70) vs. Pirates (66-74)
The Nationals are shaky heading into this game, and it shows in their performance recent trends. During the last five matches in which they have participated, they have only managed to win a single game and lost four, which includes a direct match against the pirates’ where they lost 4-9. This inconsistency puts them as weak, although esteem to have a fairly decent road game statistics. Looking at their historic combats, they happen to have battled against the likes of the Marlins and the Cubs, which somewhat explains their stormy outcomes.
| Washington Nationals Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 5, 2024 | PIT | 4-9 | Lose |
| Sep 4, 2024 | MIA | 3-4 | Lose |
| Sep 3, 2024 | MIA | 6-2 | Win |
| Sep 1, 2024 | CHC | 1-14 | Lose |
| Aug 31, 2024 | CHC | 3-5 | Lose |
On the contrary, the Pirates, even though they are not doing much better overall, exhibit a more favorable form lately. With a 3-2 record in their last five games, they have managed to show some fight, more so after a humiliating defeat against the Cubs which they bounced back from to win back-to-back games including most recently the Nationals. This could be important for their home game against an old opponent.
| Pittsburgh Pirates Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 5, 2024 | WSH | 9-4 | Win |
| Sep 4, 2024 | CHC | 0-12 | Lose |
| Sep 3, 2024 | CHC | 5-0 | Win |
| Sep 2, 2024 | CHC | 5-3 | Win |
| Sep 1, 2024 | CLE | 1-6 | Lose |
DJ Herz (2-7, 4.09 ERA) vs. Luis Ortiz (6-4, 3.19 ERA)
DJ Herz of the Nationals has a 2-7 win-loss record with a 4.09 ERA and this season has not been very good for him. Statistics indicate that Herz has the tools but has not been able to put them all together, which is something that could come into play in the matchup today. Over his 70.1 innings pitched this season, Herz has managed to strike out 88 batters which indicates he can retire batters, although one cannot fail to emphasize his tendency to give up hits and home runs.
Luis Ortiz for the Pirates contrary to Herz’s struggle has had a good season with a record of 6-4 and an impressive era of 3.19. Ortiz has managed to keep his WHIP at 1.1 through 113 innings pitched which is quite impressive for a pitcher. His style of pitching may be what the Pirates need to combat the Nationals batters since they might have the edge.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Pirates -1.5 (+160), Total Odds: 8.5
The current betting odds favor the Pittsburgh Pirates slightly in what appears to be a closely contested match-up. The spread and moneyline reflect expectations of a tight game, likely influenced by both teams’ recent performances and the starting pitchers’ stats.
Nationals Betting Trends
The Nationals have struggled lately, which is reflected in their recent games where they’ve gone 1-4 against the spread. Their inability to close games effectively, coupled with their pitching challenges, might be areas of concern for bettors. However, their tendency to perform better on the road could be a vital factor in today’s game.
Pirates Betting Trends
The Pirates, on the other hand, have shown some promise in their recent games, especially in their ability to cover the spread with a 41-30 record in road games. Their recent winning trend and stronger pitching might make them a more reliable bet, particularly with Ortiz on the mound.
Nationals vs. Pirates 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Considering how the situation is trending at present, the prediction has a slight bias in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, thanks to their better pitching and the current form of the team. On the other hand, one should not forget about the upset potential of the Nationals, especially as Herz will try to get a win after the event.
The MLB free picks today might lean towards the over in total runs because of the scoring potential for both sides and that batters will sometimes find the same level of run suppression that even decent pitchers are not able to perform. Similarly, they should also look for prop bets which will incorporate strikeouts and a live bet when the game starts with the hope that the Nationals will have some swing from the offense directing into the game.