Dodgers vs Nationals Prediction - MLB Picks 9/8/23

Washington Nationals (63-77) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (85-54)

Game Info: Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7:05 pm (Nationals Park)

MacKenzie Gore (7-10) (4.28) vs Emmet Sheehan (3-1) (5.31)

Betting Odds: Washington Nationals +133 / Los Angeles Dodgers -145 --- Over/Under: 9.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Los Angeles Dodgers will head to DC to face the Washington Nationals for game one of their three-game set this Friday from Nationals Park.

Dodgers Preview & Projected Starter

Los Angeles moved to 85-54 after dropping two of three to Miami. The Dodgers avoided the sweep with a strong 10-0 win over the Marlins in game three. The Los Angeles offense is scoring 5.04 runs per game, while batting .248, with a .330 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.50 ERA, with a 1.28 WHIP.

Emmett Sheehan (3-1, 5.31 ERA, 36 Ks) will make the start for Los Angeles. The rookie righty reaped the benefits of run support in Baltimore last week, allowing four runs in five innings to the O’s, but he still managed to earn the winning decision. Each of Sheehan’s last two wins have come on the road, so while he’s had some luck there, he may need to be a hit sharper against an angry Texas team here.

Dodgers Player Trends & Props

• Mookie Betts was quiet in the Atlanta and Miami series, so he may be due here in the Capitol this weekend, and leads LAD in home runs (38) and RBI (99). while batting an impressive .313.

• Freddie Freeman doubled in a run in series finale in Miami, and he leads the Dodgers in BA (.333) and hits (183), with 25 homers and 91 runs batted in.

• Max Muncy has recorded a hit in seven of the last ten games, and he’s totaled 32 home runs and 91 RBI for the season.

• Amed Rosario plated multiple runs in the game two win over the Marlins, and he’s batting .250, with 56 RBI for the season.

Nationals Preview & Projected Starter

Washington moved to 63-77 after splitting games with New York. The Nats bounced back to take Wednesday’s contest, and they’ll look to give the Dodgers some more trouble at home this weekend. The Washington offense is scoring 3.48 runs per game, while batting .262, with a .319 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.96 ERA, with a 1.50 WHIP.

MacKenzie Gore (7-10, 4.28 ERA, 147 Ks) will get the ball for Washington. The second-year lefty pitched well in Toronto last time out, tossing five innings of one-run ball to earn his seventh victory of the season. Gore’s been a positive mixed bag this season, as he’s struggled with inconsistency, but he’s showed sign of progression. Gore will look to pick up just his second win of season at home here on Friday.

Nats Player Trends & Props

• Lane Thomas homered in the first three matchups with Miami, and he leads the Nats in hits (153), with splits of .285/23/74.

• Joey Meneses went hitless against the Marlins, so he could be due just as Thomas was, and he’s still batting a strong .279, with with 76 RBI.

• CJ Abrams plated a pair of runs in the first two meetings, and he’s posting a line of .245/15/51.

• Keibert Ruiz has recorded a hit in seven of his previous ten games, and he’s totaled 16 homers and 55 Arbh For the season.

Corey’s Free Pick

The Dodgers haven’t followed up their hot month of action super well, but with their division very secure, they’ll be no panic from them, and I believe we could see them get back to their winning ways this weekend. MacKenzie Gore may give them a tough time here, but his presence makes this line a bit more attracting, and I like the Dodger bats winning that battle. Back the Dodgers for game one this Friday.