Joe Ross (4-5, 3.56 ERA) and Andrew Cashner (5-12, 4.03 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (63-62) and the San Diego Padres (62-64) at Nationals Park. The Padres won the last game 6-5 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 27 and can be seen on MASN, FSSD and MLBN.
Ross pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run and striking out four in a 6-1 win over the Brewers. Bryce Harper (.332, 89 Rs, 31 HRs, 76 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run, two RBIs, and one stolen base. Cashner went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs (one unearned), striking out eight and walking two in a 9-3 win over the Cardinals in his last outing. Justin Upton (.258, 68 Rs, 22 HRs, 70 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Padres, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs.
Washington is a -165 favorite against San Diego and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Nationals have an overall money line of -1,204 and a record as the favorite of 50-38. The Nationals have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.8 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.2 runs per game. Washington is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.2 per game. Washington’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.4 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.0. The Nationals are the top team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.1 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, San Diego has a 29-40 record and an overall money line of -498. Offensively, the Padres have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.1 runs per game by averaging 5.6 during that stretch. The Padres have a dynamic offense, ranking fifth in the league with 339 extra base hits. The Padres have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.3 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Nationals lead the season series, 4-2. The Nationals have a 47-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Cashner takes the mound. Ross (RHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 47-52 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Washington has won 53% (30-27) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, San Diego has won 54% (33-28) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Padres managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 29-18 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Padres are 46-12. The Nationals have a 49-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th in runs, San Diego has earned 514 this season. Washington ranks 14th with 531 runs.
Ranking 22nd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 323 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 404.
The Nationals are 46-30 when they hit at least one home run. The Padres perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 43-24 record.
