Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: Can MacKenzie Gore, Nationals Start Hot at Home?
The Washington Nationals will take on the the Pittsburgh Pirates in their home opener. Can Mackenzie Gore lead the Nats to a win with a hot start on the bump? Krabs provides his best betting pick in Pirates vs. Nationals.
Krabs - April 1, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT
5 minPittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: Can MacKenzie Gore, Nationals Start Hot at Home?
After blowing last night’s game against the Reds in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Nationals are heading back to DC for their first home game of the season on Monday. They will be welcoming in the undefeated Pirates, fresh off a sweep against the Marlins. Will MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals hand Pittsburgh their first loss of the season on Monday?
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
MacKenzie Gore looked great this spring. His velocity was up and his strikeout rate was fantastic. He is poised for a breakout season with the Nationals in 2024. Tonight, he will face a Pirates team that scored plenty of runs against the Marlins over the weekend. I’m willing to bet he shuts them down after a great opening week.
There’s a reason the Nationals are the betting favorite against the undefeated Pirates this afternoon. Not only do they have their best starting pitcher on the mound, but they will be facing LHP Marco Gonzales. The Nationals crushed left-handed pitching last season. After blowing yesterday’s game, I’m fully expecting Lane Thomas and the Nationals to avenge that brutal loss with a a great offensive performance on Monday.
Speaking of Lane Thomas, it’s been a slow start to the season for the Nationals outfielder. Luckily for Thomas, he has a great matchup on Monday to “right the ship.” I will be shocked if he doesn’t perform against Gonzales this afternoon. Victor Robles is still looking for his first hit of the season, and should benefit from seeing a lefty on Monday.
The Pirates aren’t going to be undefeated for long, but I’m not even betting them to lose this game. Let’s take the Nationals through the first five innings in this matchup instead. After watching Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey give up some runs against the Reds this weekend, I don’t want to involve the Nationals bullpen in this bet. Let’s isolate the Nats through the first five innings against a left-hander they should crush.
You can still bet the Nationals on the spread through the first five innings at plus money on some books. Bet this before the odds get any worse. MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals will have a lead in this game through the first five innings. Whether they hold onto the lead and close the game out is up to them; I have no desire to get involved with their bullpen against David Bednar and the Pirates on Monday.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS. WASHINGTON NATIONALS PICK
Pick: WSH F5 -0.5 (+105) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
MLB ODDS
