Dodgers vs Nationals Preview: Los Angeles Cruising in NL West

The Los Angeles Dodgers still have a bit of work to do before clinching the National League West. The Washington Nationals are playing out the string. The Nationals have slipped below the Mets for last place in the NL East. The two teams meet in a three-game series beginning Friday in Washington, D.C. The Dodgers vs Nationals preview notes Washington hasn’t named it’s starting pitcher for either of the two weekend games.

The Dodgers will send Emmet Sheehan to the mound Friday against MacKenzie Gore. Los Angeles is -155 and the total on the game is 9.5. The Dodgers are -105 on the run line at -1.5 runs. Sheehan has appeared in nine games for the Dodgers, starting eight of them. He does have a save in his lone relief appearance. Los Angeles is 4-4 when Sheehan starts, allowing three or fewer runs three times. The Dodgers have also allowed seven or more runs on three occasions.

Gore is 7-10 with a 4.28 ERA. The Nationals are 10-16 when he starts. Gore has 147 strikeouts in 132 2/3 innings, so he can pitch. Washington is scoring just 3.73 runs per game when he starts, which hasn’t helped his record. The Nationals are No. 11 in MLB in team batting average, but No. 21 in runs scored. But the biggest problem for Washington this season is pitching. The Nationals are No. 27 in team ERA. But the bullpen hasn’t been that bad. The Nats are 39 of 63 in save opportunities.

The Dodgers’ pitching hasn’t been what it’s been in the past. Los Angeles is No. 16 in team ERA but is 40 for 54 in save opportunities. But the Dodger pitchers don’t have to great with an offense that is No. 10 in team batting average, but No. 2 in runs scored.

Friday’s Game

The Dodgers have been a bit of an oddity against left-handed starters. Los Angeles is 22-21 against left-handers despite scoring 5.19 runs per game. The Dodgers are 8-13 against left-handers on the road. But it’s hard to go against the Dodgers’ offense even though Gore has better numbers than Sheehan. Instead of taking one of the teams, the best bet may be the over 9.5. Los Angeles is 27-14-2 in totals against left-handed starters this season and 14-6-1 on the road. Five of Sheehan’s eight starts have also gone over the total, so the Nationals should be able to put up some runs themselves. It shouldn’t be one of your top baseball picks for Friday. But the over does offer a little value on today’s baseball schedule.

Saturday’s Game

The Dodgers vs Nationals preview shows Bobby Miller getting the start for the Dodgers. He’s been a solid pitcher, going 9-3 with a 3.80 ERA. The Dodgers are 12-5 when he starts on the year and he’s thrown well enough to earn a spot on the roster for the baseball playoffs. Washington hasn’t officially named its starting pitcher for Saturday. But it should be Jake Irvin if the Nationals follow their rotation. The Nationals are 10-11 in the games Irvin has started this season. The price will be steep on the Dodgers in this one, but Los Angeles is really the only way you can go here.

Sunday’s Game

The Dodgers vs Nationals preview shows neither team has named a starter for Sunday’s game. The Dodgers could go with Clayton Kershaw, who pitched Tuesday in Miami. But they might want to save Kershaw for Monday’s home game against the Padres. That could turn this one into a bullpen game or L.A. could use Caleb Ferguson, who has been a better starter than reliever. For the Nationals, it would be Trevor Williams’ turn in the rotation. He’s pitched well enough this season. Washington is 12-14 when he starts and he’s often a large underdog. He lost to Miller and the Dodgers 6-1 earlier this season. But if the odds are high enough, he could be worth a look.

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