MLB Baseball
2013-05-17 - Washington Nationals at San Diego Padres
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: MLB Baseball
Friday 17 May 2013 - First Pitch 10:10pm
3:10am (British Time)
Preview
The Washington Nationals (22-19) will look to continue their recent upturn in fortunes as they get set for game 2 of this four game series with the San Diego Padres (18-22). The Nationals comfortably took game one last night and will feel their big hitters can lead them to another win in this one.
Adam LaRoche and Bryce Harper have both enjoyed playing San Diego and both have enjoyed hitting the ball out of the park when they have played the Padres. The Nationals are likely to need that kind of spark if they are to win this game as they send Gio Gonzalez to the mound.
Gonzalez has a 3-2 record for the season and a 4.20 ERA, but he is coming in off a strong outing when a lack of run support ultimately cost the team the win.
San Diego are 9-2 in their last 11 games at home, but they are going to have to be very hot at the batting plate if they are to maintain that kind of momentum here. That is very much due to the fact that they are sending rookie Burke Smith to the mound for only his second career start.
The pitcher didn't factor into the decision in his first start as he gave up 6 runs from 5 hits in a little over one inning pitched against Tampa Bay. Smith wasn't too disheartened by his first appearance in the Major League, but he will have to be careful against this Nationals team with two players who love hitting against San Diego.
Head to Head
Washington are 7-2 in the last 9 games of this series.
The Nationals have also gone 6-1 in their last 7 games in San Diego.
Prediction
With the way Washington have enjoyed playing against San Diego in recent games, and the clear edge on the mound, I do like the Nationals to win this game.
The Pick :
San Diego Padres 3-6 Washington Nationals
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Washington Nationals @ 1.73
