Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore Shine in Beltway Series Game 2?
It's Game 2 of the Beltway series tonight between the Nationals and the Orioles. Can MacKenzie Gore shine? Baseball betting expert Krabs answers.
Krabs - April 19, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
5 minWashington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore Shine in Beltway Series Game 2?
We gather here today to bet another under in the Beltway Series. If you read yesterday’s article about Tuesday’s under in the O’s/Nats game, you’d probably think I had a crystal ball or time machine. Unfortunately, I am not a time traveler, and I just know this Nationals team very well. When the Nats play the O’s, these games have a playoff-type atmosphere. Could we get another low-scoring affair tonight with Kyle Bradish and MacKenzie Gore on the mound?
Nationals vs. Orioles Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
- Game Time: 7:05 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction
The Nationals unloaded their entire roster over the past two seasons for prospects. One of the pieces the Nationals acquired in the Juan Soto trade was MacKenzie Gore, a young left-handed pitcher with a nasty slider. Gore has been better than expected for the Nationals in 2023, with a 3.00 ERA and two wins in three starts. Although he may struggle with his command at times, there’s no doubt that the young lefty has the stuff to be a top-end starter for years to come.
Kyle Bradish had an incredible 2022 season. He, unfortunately, got hurt in his first start this year and will be making his first start since returning from the IL this week. I typically don’t like backing pitchers returning from injury, but the Nationals simply cannot hit right-handed pitching. Barely hovering above the Mendoza Line against RHP in 2023, don’t expect much to change tonight against the Orioles’ promising young arm. The Nats have only six home runs against RHP this season and don’t even have an OBP above .300 against them. Until this team proves to me that they can hit right-handed pitching, fade this Nationals offense.
Washington has tried using a different lineup almost every game this season, not a great sign for Davey Martinez. Clearly, what he’s been trying to craft up isn’t working, with guys like Dominic Smith and a struggling Joey Meneses at the top of the lineup. The Nationals need to ride the hot hands and move guys like Victor Robles, Keibert Ruiz, and Lane Thomas to the top of the order instead of these bigger names who have been struggling. Until Davey Martinez starts making the right adjustments, fade this Nationals offense whenever they’re facing RHP.
One pleasant surprise for the Nationals this season has been their bullpen. If MacKenzie Gore can keep the walks to a minimum and pass the ball off to his bullpen with only three innings left to work, this game will soar. It’s worth noting that the back of the Orioles bullpen is elite with Felix Bautista closing games out. Bautista is one of the best closers in baseball. Back the under once again in the Beltway Series tonight, as both teams will struggle to produce anything offensively against these solid young arms.
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Pick
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