Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: Will Nationals Get to Justin Verlander in Astros Return?
The Houston Astros will visit the Washington Nationals on Friday night in a 2019 World Series rematch. Can the Nats channel some of that former magic against Justin Verlander and the Stros? Krabs breaks down the history and provides his pick in Astros vs. Nationals.
Krabs - April 19, 2024, 4:45 PM EDT
5 minHouston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: Will Nationals Get to Justin Verlander in Astros Return?
This weekend’s series against the Astros is a big one for Washington. This will be a rematch of the 2019 World Series when the Nationals shocked everyone in a 4-3 series win. The team is celebrating their 5-year anniversary of that unbelievable season with giveaways and many stars from that WS team returning to DC for the games.
Astros vs. Nationals DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 19, 2024
- Start Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: MLB Extra Innings
ASTROS VS. NATIONALS ODDS
- Run Line: Astros -1 (-121), Nationals +1 (-103)
- Total Odds: O/U 8 (-115)
- Moneyline Odds: Astros (-148), Nationals (+128)
Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Prediction
Justin Verlander will be making his first start since returning from injury on the road against the Nats on Friday night. He will be facing MacKenzie Gore and this scrappy Nats team that just won a series against the Dodgers on the road. This young gritty Nats team is playing much better than everyone expected early-on this season. Will they bring their bats to a matchup against a future Hall of Fame pitcher with all the former Nationals' stars in attendance?
I’m fully expecting Verlander to look a little rusty in his 2024 debut. We’ve seen plenty of veteran arms around the league get off to slow starts this year. It’s taking these pitchers a few weeks to fully lock-in, and although Verlander is a lock for the Hall of Fame, that doesn’t mean he’s going to pitch great on a cold windy night in DC against the scrappy Nats…
Luckily for Verlander and the struggling Astros, I don’t think they will be the only team with a struggling ace on the bump on Friday night. MacKenzie Gore has pitched great this season, utilizing his elevated fastball with some increased velocity in 2024. I can think of a handful of Astros hitters off the top of my head who crush high fastballs (Altuve, Yordan, Tucker, etc.), and I’m worried that the reason Gore has been so effective this season might be his demise against the Astros on Friday night.
This Houston team didn’t have the highest of expectations heading into the 2024 season because of their suspect pitching, but their offense hasn’t really been the issue. They rank 3rd in team batting average and 4th in on base percentage this season. I could see this patient Astros lineup taking advantage of Gore’s wild tendencies. If he gives this veteran Houston team free bases, it could be a long night for the Nationals.
It’s safe to say I’m expecting both starting pitchers to struggle at times in Friday night’s series opener. Back both offenses to show up in what looks like a great pitching matchup on paper, but the total opened up at o/u 9 for a reason. Expect offensive fireworks from both teams as the Nats continue to over-perform, and the Astros look to get back on track after a horrid start to the 2024 season.
Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals Prediction
Pick: HOU/WSH o8 (-115) CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS
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