Red Sox vs Nationals Prediction - MLB Picks 8/17/23

Washington Nationals (53-67) vs Boston Red Sox (63-56)

Game Info: Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 4:05 pm (Nationals Park)

Patrick Corbin (7-11) (4.92) vs Chris Sale (5-2) (4.52)

Betting Odds: Washington Nationals +169 / Boston Red Sox -185 --- Over/Under: 9.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals face off on Thursday in an MLB showdown at Nationals Park. The two teams have split the first two games of this series.

Nationals Leaned on Good Starting Pitching on Wednesday

The Nationals come into this game with a 54-67 record overall, but they used the good pitching on Wednesday to find success. Mackenzie Gore went 6.1 innings giving up one hit and zero runs. If the Nationals can get the same type of pitching here, they are going to find plenty of success. The Red Sox are averaging 4.82 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.6 runs per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league while the pitching is ranked 18th. On the mound for the Nationals will be Patrick Corbin who sits with a 7-11 record and an ERA of 4.85. In his last start against the Phillies he went five innings giving up one hit and zero runs.

Nationals Betting Trends

The Nationals have won eight of their last 10 games as home underdogs.
The Nationals have covered the run line nine of their last 10 games at Nationals Park against teams that held a winning record.
The Nationals have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as home underdogs against American League opponents.
The Nationals have led after 5 innings in three of their last four games as home underdogs against American League opponents.
The Nationals have led after 7 innings in three of their last four games as home underdogs against American League opponents.

Red Sox Need the Bats to Wake Up

The Red Sox bats have been a little inconsistent the last week, and they need to get the bats on the right track here. On Wednesday the Red Sox only scored two runs and that led to the defeat. The Red Sox overall are averaging 4.82 runs per game which is 9th best in the league. The pitching on the other hand has been bad giving up 4.6 runs per game which is 18th in the league. On the mound for the Red Sox will be Chris Sale who comes into this game with a 5-2 record and an ERA of 4.52. In his last start against the Tigers, he went 4.1 innings giving up one hit and two runs.

Red Sox Betting Trends

The Red Sox have won 14 of their last 16 road games against NL East opponents following a road loss.
The Red Sox have covered the run line in 11 of their last 12 road games against NL East opponents following a loss.
The Red Sox have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four games as road favorites against National League opponents.
The Red Sox have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last six games as road favorites.
The Red Sox have trailed after 7 innings in four of their last six games as road favorites.

Nationals vs Red Sox Facts

The Washington Nationals ranks 2nd in the league for strikeouts against this season (864).
The Washington Nationals ranks 29th in the league for strikeouts this season (912).
The Boston Red Sox are one of only 4 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both strikeouts and on-base percentage this season.
The Boston Red Sox ranks 4th in the league for walks allowed this season (341).

Shane’s Free Pick

This is a great spot for the Nationals. Corbin looked good in his last start and the Phillies bats have had some issues heading into this game. The Red Sox are going to score only two or three runs total, and that isn’t going to be enough for them to get the job done. Back the Nationals on the money line to secure the victory.