In a potential playoff preview, the NL East leading Washington Nationals (48-39, $10) will host the West leading Los Angeles Dodgers (51-39, -$847) both of who, despite being in first place, have struggled more than anticipated in the first half.
The two will look to kick off the second half on a good note and will face off in the middle game of three on Saturday.
ODDS ANALYSIS
This will be the second meeting between these two teams this year after the Nationals took the season series last year, 4-2.
Washington also has the edge in this series—including Saturday’s game—with it 25-16 at home while the Dodgers have struggled mightily on the road, posting an awful 18-22 record.
In addition, the Nationals had taken two straight and five of eight heading into this series, though Los Angeles is playing good ball, too, winning four of its last five games.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The Nationals will face Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw in this series, but they will get a break on Saturday with Mike Bolsinger on the hill.
While not having to face an All-Star is helpful, Bolsinger has pitched well this season himself since taking over a rotation spot, going 4-3 with a 3.08 ERA and 1.247 WHIP through 73 big league innings.
Despite just four wins in 13 starts, the 27-year old right-hander has kept his team in most games though he’s struggled going deep in games lately, lasting six innings just once in his last six efforts. Still, the hurler has come a long ways since putting up a 5.50 ERA in 10 games for the Diamondbacks last year.
The Nationals have yet to announce the order of their rotation coming out of the break, but Scherzer is expected to get the nod in the first game with Jordan Zimmermann following him on Saturday.
Zimmermann has been a solid number two starter this year behind Scherzer, posting an 8-5 record with a 3.22 ERA and 1.254 WHIP in 111 2/3 innings of work.
The 29-year old right-hander, however, struggled in his last start, allowing four runs in five innings to the Orioles. Perhaps a bit of additional rest will be beneficial and get him back to the form that allowed just one earned run in his previous three games, spanning 22 2/3 innings.
QUOTE TO NOTE
In their last series before the break, the Dodgers were able to come from behind twice to capture victories. Manager Don Mattingly spoke about that on Sunday, saying:
“You hope that says something about the character of your club that they’re going to keep having good at-bats and find a way to win.”
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
The Dodgers have a much deeper lineup than the Nationals—particularly considering Washington’s slew of injuries—yet the Nats are averaging 4.28 runs per game compared to L.A.’s 4.18.
Still, these offenses are neck and neck. Los Angeles is fortunate to have a number of reliable bats, but the Nationals have Bryce Harper whose 1.168 OPS leads the league. Harper has finally broken out producing 26 home runs and 61 RBIs already with just 81 games played in his age 22 season.
While Harper has carried the team on his shoulders offensively, a couple infielders have done their part as well with Danny Espinosa (.766 OPS) reclaiming at bats and Yunel Escobar (.776 OPS) proving to be an excellent pickup. Of course, between the three of them and Clint Robinson (.768 OPS) they’re the only healthy players with an OPS north of .675.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have 10 healthy players with an OPS+ of at least 108, headed by Yasmani Grandal’s .927 OPS.
The young catcher has been great, but he has not been this team’s only offensive surprise as Justin Turner (.915 OPS) has grabbed hold of the third base job and Joc Pederson has burst onto the scene as the rookie leads the team with his 20 home runs.
Thanks in large part to Pederson, the Dodgers led the National League in home runs with 113 and are the only NL team to have gone yard at least 100 times.
All in all, the Dodgers have a more diversified offense, but one that produces runs at a similar rate as the Nats.
PROP TALK
Interestingly, Jimmy Rollins has shown some pop against Zimmermann in his career. Although his average against him is just .242 in 33 at bats, he’s belted two home runs, driving in five.
The only other Dodger player to homer against Zimmermann is Justin Turner who is 4 for 6 against him with that homer and a double in limited at bats.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
With neither Greinke nor Kershaw on the mound, look for this to be a game that goes to the Nationals. After all, the Dodgers struggle on the road and have actually averaged fewer runs per game than the Nats while posting a higher bullpen ERA.
Washington 5, Los Angeles 3
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker Sportsbook live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2015, at 4:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. The contest will be televised nationally on FS1.
