With the end of the MLB season in the north, Washington Nationals (62-70) and Pittsburgh Pirates (66-74) welcome an entertaining doubleheader close out at PNC Park. With neither team in the playoff hunt anymore, they will try to make the most of every game left, and thus, this clash will be brutal and tactical. This match promises to be a possible point of revival for either of the teams and, even more, an exceptional premium game analysis for the lovers of business and fans of betting.
Nationals vs. Pirates Game 2 9/7/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 6:40 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Park |
| Watch: | SportsNet PT, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Nationals odds: | +124 Moneyline |
| Pirates odds: | -147 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8 |
Nationals (62-70) vs. Pirates (66-74)
The Washington Nationals are having tough times in their season, as negative trends have been highlighted in their recent games. The current record of the team is 1-4 over the last five games – this statistic has not been favorable, whether at home or outside. Their last encounter with the Pirates ended with a score of 4-9 and acted as a continuation of the same losing trend witnessed in the games with Miami and Chicago. This recent downtrend has been a combination of low scoring with some pitching flops, which they will have to sort out soon.
| Nationals Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 5, 2024 | PIT | 4-9 | Lose |
| Sep 4, 2025 | MIA | 3-4 | Lose |
| Sep 3, 2025 | MIA | 6-2 | Win |
| Sep 1, 2025 | CHC | 1-14 | Lose |
| Aug 31, 2024 | CHC | 3-5 | Lose |
On the converse, the Pittsburgh Pirates did perform better, with a record of 3-2 in their last five games. In spite of the crushing defeat to the Cubs (0-12), the Pirates were able to win a few more very important matches and recover from that loss. They also recently beat the Nationals (9–4) which should be a great confidence boost for the team showing what they can do when their hitting and pitching are working together.
| Pittsburgh Pirates Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 5, 2024 | WSH | 9-4 | Win |
| Sep 4, 2025 | CHC | 0-12 | Lose |
| Sep 3, 2025 | CHC | 5-0 | Win |
| Sep 2, 2025 | CHC | 5-3 | Win |
| Sep 1, 2025 | CLE | 1-6 | Lose |
Mitchell Parker (7-9, 4.27 ERA) vs. Mitch Keller (11-9, 3.88 ERA)
Mitchell Parker, who has a 7-9 record with a 4.27 ERA this season, is up against Keller, who has an 11-9 record with a 3.88 ERA. Parker is generally resilient, albeit with some inconsistency, containing ups and downs through the daily battles. This could be crucial in today’s game. His bulldog attitude and ability to strikeout are praiseworthy. However, the rate of home runs could be a worry as too many hitters are in the Pirates’ clubhouse.
Mitch Keller comes in with a respectable record this season, highlighting his improved ERA and game management. He has a slightly improved strikeout count with a fairly constant WHIP meaning he is comfortable at the mound, which will probably be crucial in easing the Nationals’ bats. Every game he puts in here will probably speak a lot in terms of the tempo and the outcome of the match.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Pirates -1.5 (+158), Total Odds: 8
Looking at the betting trends, the Nationals have struggled not only in their overall games but also against the spread on the road. Meanwhile, the Pirates have a better record at home both straight up and against the spread, which might give them the edge in this matchup.
Nationals Betting Trends
The Nationals’ recent form has shown vulnerability, particularly in their pitching, allowing a high number of runs in several games. Their inability to cover the spread in recent matches could raise concerns for bettors thinking of backing them tonight.
Pirates Betting Trends
Conversely, the Pirates have demonstrated a more robust end to the season. Their betting trends suggest a stronger defensive play and a capability to close out games, making them a potentially safer bet for those looking at the negative spread.
Nationals vs. Pirates 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Current trends and the performance of the various teams in the latest and current competitions indicate that the Pittsburgh Pirates will be able to capitalize on the inconsistency of the Nationals. And as the Nationals are still trying to improve their overall record, the strength of the Pirates of the last home match and the mound presence of Mitch Keller allows us to predict the success of Pittsburgh more.
For those searching for MLB free picks today, the Pirates would be the better team to bet on, especially against the spread. The betting total is 8 points, which will be tipped at the OVER as in most if not all, of their last matches, both teams have faced a higher-scoring game.