Dodgers vs Nationals Predictions and Picks

Where: Nationals Park, Washington

When: Tuesday, July 19, 2016, 7:05 PM ET

Line: Los Angeles Dodgers (+108) at Washington Nationals (-118); total: 8.5 – view all MLB lines

TV Broadcast: ESPN

Writer’s Pick: Washington (-118)

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Pitching Edge – Los Angeles Dodgers (+108)

The Dodgers have the more experienced starter in Scott Kazmir and it’s not even close. Kazmir, who is in his 11^th season in the majors, will carry a 7-3 record and a 4.52 ERA in 18 starts this year. The Nationals, on the other hand, will be sending Reynaldo Lopez to the mound for his first majors debut. Lopez compiled a 4-5 record with a 3.19 ERA in 16 starts in the minor this year.

Kazmir, however, had a bad outing in his previous start, giving up three earned runs on six hits in just three innings of a 10-6 loss to San Diego in July 8.

Both LA and Washington have impressive bullpens. The Dodgers rank first in the majors this year with a 2.89 ERA, while the Nationals’ relievers are not far behind at second with a 2.99 ERA.

Batting Edge – Washington Nationals (-118)

Washington’s bats were firing on all cylinders the moment the second half of the season resumed, collecting 11 runs in the first two games of their series against Pittsburgh. Thus far on the season, Washington is fourth in the National League in runs (434) first in homers (127) and eighth in batting average (.250)—all figures are better than what the Dodgers have in those categories as of this writing. Furthermore, the Nationals are among the best in hitting opposite a lefty. They are batting .269 against southpaws to go with 37 homers.