Washington (57-53) at LA Dodgers (62-49)
When: Monday, August 10th, 2015
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 10:10 ET
TV: DirecTV 640 Radio: XM 186
The Washington Nationals head out West hoping to turn things around quickly and keep pace with the New York Mets in the National League East. The Nats have lost 7 of their last 10 games and find themselves 2.5 games behind the Metropolitans. Drew Storen basically lost both games this weekend against Colorado, blowing a 4-1 lead on Friday and failing to keep the game tied yesterday. It’s been that kind of frustrating year for Washington. I wouldn’t worry about the pitching or the bullpen for that matter. I would worry more about their offense. Aside from Bryce Harper it’s been pretty bad. Harper and Yunel Escobar are the only two hitting over .300. The rest of the regulars are all hitting under .250. That might have great pitching, but they’re going to need more offense if they want to make the Playoffs.
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Gio Gonzalez makes his 21st start tonight for the Nationals and he has been pitching well lately. In his last 7 starts he has 4 wins and 3 no decisions. Unfortunately, Washington has failed to win those no decisions. Gonzalez is 1-1 in his career at Dodger Stadium pitching 12 innings and allowing 5 runs. I look for him to pitch well tonight.
The Dodgers return home with their tail between their legs as they were embarrassed 13-6 last night on National TV in Pittsburgh. Their 6-game road trip started out fine winning 2 of 3 in Philadelphia, but then they went across the state and got swept by the Pirates. They lost the first two games by 1 run, then got smoked last night thanks to a 9-run 7th inning in which reliever Jim Johnson was charged for 8 of those runs in 2/3 of an inning. Despite the loss, the Dodgers are still 3 games ahead of the charging Giants in the National League West. In my opinion, they have the best team in the N.L. and this 3-game sweep won’t damage their confidence.
Brett Anderson starts tonight and he has been a very pleasant surprise for the Dodgers. He appears to be healthy now after injuries have limited him to only 19 starts in the previous 3 years combined. He has a 2.30 ERA in his last 3 starts. His overall ERA this year is a very good 3.06. This will be his first start against Washington this year.
I think this will be a low scoring game as both teams are traveling across the country to start this series. I’m going to give the edge to L.A. tonight based on the fact that they hit lefties better than Washington and that they’re 37-18 at home.
Pick: Dodgers -125
