Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction, Betting Pick, and Latest Odds
The Washington Nationals have their home opener this afternoon against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Can MacKenzie Gore and the Nats dominate from the first pitch? Matt McCuen shares his Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals prediction.
Matt McCuen - April 1, 2024, 10:50 AM EDT
5 minPittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction, Betting Pick, and Latest Odds
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals will meet from our nation's capital on Monday afternoon.
This will be the home opener for the Nationals.
Pirates vs. Nationals DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 1, 2024
- Game Time: 4:05 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB Extra Innings
Pirates vs. Nationals Odds
- Spread: Pirates +1 (+125), Nationals -1 (-155)
- Total Odds: O 8.5 (-104), U 8.5 (-107)
- Moneyline Odds: Pirates (+100), Nationals (-114)
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction
Pittsburgh rolls into this game with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Pirates currently sit atop the NL Central after the opening weekend.
The likelihood of them staying in first place all season is low.
Pittsburgh is projected to be one of the worst teams in the National League.
Unfortunately for Pirates fans that has been the standard as of late.
The Pirates have not finished over .500 since 2018 (82-79).
Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes leads the Pirates, hitting .444 on the young season. Hayes is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball.
All-star outfielder Brian Reynolds leads the squad with five runs batted in.
Shortstop O’Neill Cruz is off to a strong start, hitting .357 with a home run.
The Pirates will hand the baseball to veteran Marco Gonzales. The southpaw went 4-1 with a 5.22 ERA a season ago.
The Nationals roll into this game with a 1-2 record.
Washington lost their opening season series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Similar to the Pirates, expectations are not high this year.
Washington has not finished over .500 since 2019.
That was the same season the Nationals won the World Series.
30-year-old Jessie Winker leads the Nationals with a .455 batting average.
Joey Meneses leads the team with five hits on the young season.
Eddie Rosario leads the team with one run home and three runs batted in.
Southpaw MacKenzie Gore will toe the rubber for the Nats today.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Betting Pick
Gore is being undervalued in this spot today.
He will control this Pirates lineup and turn in a strong pitching performance.
Nationals hitters have seen Gonzales well, with a team batting average of .294 in 34 at-bats.
The Nats will take care of business at home today.
Pick: Nationals F5 ML / Nationals ML -120 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
MLB ODDS
