Washington Nationals vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore, Nationals Bounce Back?
The Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox play the second game in their series tonight. After losing Game 1 will MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals bounce back? Handicapper Krabs shares his prediction and pick for the game.
Krabs - August 16, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
5 minWashington Nationals vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore, Nationals Bounce Back?
Don’t look now, but the Washington Nationals have been one of the best teams in baseball since the All-Star Break. They’ve been crushing the ball, with many of their young pieces, like Keibert Ruiz and CJ Abrams stepping up immensely in the second half of the season. The Nationals lost game one of this series against the Boston Red Sox last night by one run and will be looking to bounce back tonight. Will they come through for bettors once again at plus money?
Nationals vs. Red Sox Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: August 16, 2023
- Time: 7:05 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Washington Nationals vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction
The best draft pick the Nationals can receive this year is 10. Even if they finish with one of the worst records in baseball, they have been penalized by MLB and can only get the 10th or higher pick in the first round. Davey Martinez is looking for a contract extension, and he’s managing like it. I’ve never seen him manage this well, including during the 2019 World Series run. This young Nationals’ team hasn’t thrown in the towel yet, and neither has their manager.
The Nationals have been willing games because of their offense, not pitching. Luckily, they have a great matchup tonight against a soft-throwing lefty. Washington crushed LHP, and James Paxton’s velocity was the lowest it’s ever been in his last outing. His ERA might still be below a 4.00, but it might not be after this start tonight.
Paxton has regressed significantly since his incredible start to the season. The Red Sox have been hot, winning six of their last ten games, but with a struggling Paxton on the mound, I give the advantage to the Nationals in this matchup.
MacKenzie Gore is coming off a rough outing against the Phillies. He’s following up every “blow-up start” with a gem this season; don’t expect anything different tonight. The Red Sox struggle against left-handed pitching. Gore and the Nationals have the advantage here…
Less than 25% of the bets and handle are currently backing the Nats to win this game, but the betting odds have shifted fifteen cents towards the Nats tonight. This reverse line movement is a great sign for Nationals’ bettors.
With Paxton regressing and the Nationals in their best stretch of the season, fade the Red Sox and bet the Nationals on the moneyline. They are clearly doing everything they can to keep Davey Martinez around next year, as he’s known around the league as one of the most player-friendly managers in baseball. The scrappy Nats aren’t done fighting yet; bet them to beat the Red Sox tonight at home.
Washington Nationals vs. Boston Red Sox Pick
Washington Nationals ML +130 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
