National Favorites Against the Pirates

The Washington Nationals seemed to have the Pittsburgh Pirates number.

Coming into the first game of this series the Nationals had beaten the Pirates in seven straight meetings. The Pirates also did not seem to have any momentum at all, coming off a series sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the Pirates caught the Nationals by surprise with a 7-3 wins decisive win in the first game of the series.

Now the Nationals will collect themselves and head into the second game of the series where they are the favorites. You can lay –125 on Washington or +105 on Pittsburgh.

Things look pretty even as far as momentum goes between these two teams. Both the Pirates and Nationals are now 5-5 straight up over their last 10 games.

Jeff Locke will take the ball for the Pirates. Locke has found his grove with a 1.96 ERA over his last seven starts. He has pitched in the eighth inning twice in those seven games, going beyond simple quality starts. Locke can also claim homefield advantage. He has an overall 2.58 ERA in his last 11 games on Pittsburgh grass.

Max Scherzer will take the mound for the Nationals. Scherzer threw a no-hitter the last time he pitched against Pittsburgh back in June, striking out 10 and allowing only one runner on base.

The total for the game is set at 6.5 runs. The total last time out between these two teams hit the OVER with 10 runs. The pitching story in the second game of this series is different this time out with Locke hitting his stride and Scherzer throwing a no hitter his last time against the Pirates. Most bettors are leaning toward the UNDER in this one.

The Pirates and Nationals will kick off the second game of their series at 7:05 p.m. ET.