Cleveland Indians vs. Washington Nationals Matchup

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The streaking Washington Nationals will go for their eighth consecutive win as they play host to the Cleveland Indians at Nationals Park. The game gets underway 3:05 p.m. ET and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network will televise this interleague matchup.

Cleveland Indians vs. Washington Nationals Odds

The Indians have gone 93-68 SU this year and are 86-74 against the spread (ATS). They’ve lost 1.6 units for moneyline bettors, despite having gained 6.5 units ATS. The Nationals, on the other hand, are 92-69 SU and 90-70 ATS. They’ve gained 2.0 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 16.1 units ATS.

Washington games have a 74-76-10 over/under record in 2019. Indians games have gone under 86 times, gone over 70 times and pushed on four instances.

Mike Clevinger will get the start for Cleveland. The right-handed Clevinger (13-3, 2.39 ERA) has racked up 165 strikeouts in 120.1 innings so far. He has yet to face the Nationals this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.

The Nationals are putting the ball in the right hand of Joe Ross (3-4, 5.90 ERA, 1.74 WHIP), who has 49 strikeouts and 31 walks this season. Ross did not re a start against the Indians in 2018.

Washington’s pitchers have given up 4.5 runs per game overall in 2019 as a unit. Its starters have an ERA of 3.54, a WHIP of 1.19 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 9.7. The bullpen has a 5.70 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 9.1 K/9.

The Washington offense is putting up 5.4 runs per outing, including 6.5 per game over its last 10 games and 7.0 per game over its last five. The team has a slash-line of .293/.383/.535 over its last five games and is 5-0 SU during that stretch.

The Nationals’ offense has been led by third baseman Anthony Rendon and outfielder Adam Eaton. Rendon is slashing .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs, 126 RBIs and 117 runs scored, and Eaton is batting .280 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs, 102 runs and 14 stolen bases.

In the visiting dugout, Cleveland’s pitching staff allowed 4.0 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 3.78 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.52 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 3.74, along with a WHIP of 1.19.

The Indians offense has slashed .250/.326/.433 on its way to 4.8 runs scored per game this year, including 5.1 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 4.6 per game over the team’s last five contests (1-4 SU).

Cleveland’s offensive production has been sparked by shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Carlos Santana, who collectively have belted 65 home runs. Lindor is slashing .283/.334/.512 with 31 home runs, 73 RBIs, 100 runs and 22 stolen bases. Santana (.282/.397/.517) is up to 34 homers, 93 RBIs and 110 runs scored.

Indians vs. Nationals MLB Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Indians, O/U – OVER

Betting Notes

  • Cleveland has recorded 16 extra-base hits over its last five contests. Washington has 20 XBH over its last five.
  • The Indians have hit 13 home runs in their last 10 games, including nine over their last five.
  • The Indians have a total OPS of .759 this season and an OPS of .755 against right-handed pitchers. The Nationals’ OPS stands at .797 overall and .786 versus righties.
  • Cleveland has recorded 20.3 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 18.2 over its last five.
  • The Nationals have won nine of their last 10 games SU.