Nationals vs Marlins Odds Favor Miami Despite Record
Struggling Teams Open Series in Miami
Neither the Washington Nationals nor the Miami Marlins are tearing it up right now. Both bring three-game losing streaks into Friday’s first game of a three-game series between the teams. Poor play at home has been a common trait of each team this season. The Nationals are 4-8, while the Marlins are a dreadful 2-11. Washington is still just 3.5 games out in the wild card race, but Miami is already 8.5 games back. The Nationals vs Marlins odds in the series opener see Miami as -158 favorites and the total is 8.5-under (-120).
The offense has been a problem for Washington, which is No. 22 in team batting average and in the bottom five in scoring. The Nationals are among the MLB league leaders in stolen bases, sitting at No. 2 with 40. Washington isn’t getting the hits it needs to bring those runners home.
The Nats are No. 23 in team ERA at 4.35, so the pitching has been below average, but not too bad. The pitching staff will have to do a better job to make up for the lack of offense, however, and so far that hasn’t been the case.
The Marlins suffer from the same problems as Washington. They’re just a little bit worse. Miami is No. 27 in team batting average, hitting just .216. The Marlins don’t have much power with 20 home runs, which ties them for No. 27. There isn’t much Miami hasn’t done poorly offensively this season.
The pitching has been equally as bad, if not worse. Miami is No. 26 in team ERA and has just five quality starts this year. The staff is a little better than they’ve shown, so there is potential for improvement.
Nationals vs Marlins 
Records: Washington Nationals (10-14), Miami Marlins (6-20)
Location: LoanDepot Park, Miami, FL
Day/Time: Streams: MASN2, BSFL
Friday’s Game
The Nationals vs Marlins odds are a bit strange, with Miami a good-sized favorite. The favorite role hasn’t been kind to the Marlins this year, as Miami is 0-7 when favored. Tonight’s starter, Jesus Luzardo, has dropped both of his starts as a favorite this year. He’s off to a dismal start, with Miami going 1-4 with him as the starting pitcher. Miami was 19-14 when he started last year.
Trevor Williams will get the start for Washington and he hasn’t been bad. The Nationals are 3-1 when he starts and he’s sporting a 2.91 ERA. Washington was 14-16 when he started last season, so he usually gives the team a chance to win. Washington is 3-5 against left-handed starters this season and went 24-31 a year ago.
MLB predictions today will be decided by the weight given last season compared to this year. Luzardo was a better pitcher last season, while Williams is doing better this season. It’s almost impossible to ignore Miami’s record as a favorite, although it can’t last all season. Strictly from a value standpoint, Washington and the under are the sides worth a look.
Saturday’s Game
The scheduled starters for Game 2 are Mitchell Parker and Edward Cabrera. Parker has been solid in both starts for Washington. The Nationals won both games and Parker has a 1.50 ERA. One of those wins was over the Dodgers, so he’s faced a solid-hitting team. The Marlins are a dismal 1-11 against left-handed starters this season, averaging 2.25 runs per game. That’s much worse than the team’s 5-9 record against right-handers and 4.36 runs per game.
Cabrera has just two starts for the Marlins and they haven’t been bad. He’s fanned 17 hitters in 11 innings and is sporting an ERA of 3.27. Miami is 1-1 in the games he started this year.
With two decent starters, this isn’t one of the worst MLB games on today’s schedule. The total is going to be on the lower side here, but anything 7.0 or above makes the under worth a look.
Sunday’s Game
Patrick Corbin is slated to get the start for the Nationals and will be opposed by Ryan Weathers. Corbin hasn’t had the best of starts to the season but is coming off his best outing. He threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers, although Washington lost 4-1. The Nationals are 1-4 in his starts and he’s pitching to a 6.51 ERA. After giving him seven runs in his first start of the year, Washington has four runs in his last appearances.
The weather has been pretty solid this season. The Marlins are 2-3 when he starts and he has a 3.16 ERA. His WHIP is 1.412, so he’s been pitching out of trouble. That’s something you can’t expect to continue and could spell trouble in the future.
The Nationals vs Marlins odds should be pretty close to even. With Miami struggling against left-handed starters, Washington will likely be the side offering decent value. Corbin at -110 or better is certainly worth a look in this one.
Nationals vs Marlins Odds
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