Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Expert Pick 8/8/23

Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Date: Tuesday, August 8th, 7:35 ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park
TV: NSPPH
Money Line: Nationals +230/Phillies -285 (Be sure you’re betting a dimeline! Anything else is wasteful!)
Total Line: 9

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Nationals on Tuesday, August 8th at Citizens Bank Park. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Nationals vs. Phillies Projected Lineup

Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Washington Nationals: 49-63 SU / OU 53-56 / Runline 63-49
Philadelphia Phillies: 61-51 SU / OU 48-57 / Runline 47-65

As they take on the Phillies, the Nationals have an overall record of 49-63 and are currently last in the NL East. However, they have rattled off four straight wins. At home, Washington has a mark of 22-34 compared to 27-29 on the road. Their series record sits at 12-21-2.

• The Nationals have covered the runline in four straight games and have a season-long run margin of -0.7.
• The Nationals have been favored in 6.2% of their games and have runline records of 25-31 and 38-18 at home and on the road, respectively
• So far, the Nationals have an over/under record of just 53-56.

On a record of 61-51, the Phillies are 2nd in the NL East. Currently, they are 10 games out of the division lead. Against the Nationals, they will be seeking their 3rd straight win. On the road, they have a record of 31-30 while going 30-21 at home. Philadelphia’s overall series record is 20-13-2.

• The Phillies have covered the runline in two straight games and have a season-long run margin of 0.2.
• The Phillies have been favored in 65.2% of their games and have runline records of 19-32 and 28-33 at home and on the road, respectively
• So far, the Phillies have an over/under record of just 48-57.

Pitching Matchup

Josiah Gray heads into the game with an overall record of 7-9 and an ERA of 3.54. In his 13 appearances on the road, he has an ERA of 2.62 and record of 4-4. At home, he has put together a mark of 3-5 and ERA of 5.62. His season-long WHIP stands at 1.43, accompanied by a batting average allowed of .242. Teams facing him have amassed a slugging percentage of .385.

The last time, Gray took the mound, he lasted 3 2/3 innings, as the Nationals fell to the Brewers (6-4). Individually, Gray gave up four hits leading to five earned runs.

With an overall record of 2-5, Ranger Suárez gets the start for Philadelphia. His ERA stands at 4.01 with a K/9 figure of 8.02 after making 15 appearances. Additionally, he has a FIP of 3.79 and an OBP of .328.

In his previous start, Ranger Suárez gave the team a quality start, allowing one run on 10 hits across 6 1/3 innings. Despite this, he did not factor into the decision in the Phillies’ 3-1 win over the Marlins.

Nationals vs. Phillies Offense Outlook

This season, the Nationals are ranked 18th in the league with an average of 4.3 runs per game. Washington is ranked 22nd in home runs, with a total of 99 long balls. Their overall batting average is .259, including .250 on the road and .260 at home.

Washington Nationals Top Bats

Washington Nationals Top Hitters: Last Five Games

This season, Philadelphia is 14th in the league in terms of runs scored, averaging 4.5 runs per game. Their home run count is currently around the league average, with 123 long balls hit. The team’s current batting average of .255 is 9th in the league, while their away batting average is ranked 12th compared to 10th at home.

Philadelphia Phillies Top Hitters vs. Righties

Philadelphia Phillies Top Hitters: Last Five Games

Free MLB Pick

The Phillies have won three out of their last four games and have scored 8 and 9 runs in their last two. Zack Wheeler has been sharp as of late with a 2.36 ERA over the last 30 days. I love betting on Wheeler because he has excellent command of the strike zone (doesn’t walk many) and has stuff that misses bats.

That’s all fine and dandy, but the real reason I’m high on the Phils Tuesday is because I like to fade Trevor Williams. No disrespect intended, but I believe this guy is a AAA pitcher and doesn’t belong in the big-leagues. He gets beat up often and even more so in day games, where he’s pitched horribly in most seasons since 2019. I think the Phillies are in an eruption spot here as most of the hitters in the Phillies lineup have had great success against the right-hander over the course of their careers.

As much as I’d like to lay -1.5 on the run line here, I’m not doing it because when Wheeler has been vulnerable this season, it’s been at home. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if this game was high scoring, but I’d rather bet on Wheeler and fade Williams than gamble on the over. I’m laying the chalk and betting the Philadelphia Phillies at -285. This is a great game to throw into a parlay with another bet. Check out our list of bookies with the best parlay odds.