Nationals vs Giants MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
This could be a preview of a playoff matchup in a couple months. The Nationals have the best record in baseball, but the Giants are charging hard with their improved lineup and strong pitching staff.
Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Washington (Gonzalez) vs. San Francisco (Vogelsong)
Date/Time: August 13, 10:15 p.m.
MLB Gambling Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: San Francisco (-122) Washington (+112)
Runline: Giants -1.5 (+180) Nationals +1.5 (-220)
Total: 6.5
Both of these teams are built to make a deep run in the postseason. Who will have the edge on Monday night?
Washington was supposed to be better this year, but very few could have expected that this team would have the best record in baseball right now. The Nationals have done it with terrific pitching. Overall, the team has a sparkling ERA of 3.26, which is the best in the majors.
In addition, the Nationals have gotten a league-leading 74 quality starts from their starters. Gio Gonzlaez is 14-6 with a 3.32 ERA this season. Ryan Zimmerman started slowly, but he is red hot of late. Zimmerman is getting some major help from Adam Laroche, who is having a nice bounce back season at the plate.
San Francisco did well to get Hunter Pence and improve the lineup at the trade deadline. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Buster Posey has an on-base-percentage above .500 since the All-Star Break. Posey’s ridiculous offensive numbers have some talking about him as a possible NL MVP candidate. Melky Cabrera leads the team with a terrific .348 average. Ryan Vogelsong starts in this one for the Giants, and he has been outstanding.
Vogelsong shocked the baseball world with a great year in 2011. Most expected him to regress this year, but his numbers in 2012 are actually even better.
Vogelsong leads the National League with a stunning 2.27 ERA. The strength of this Giants team is still their pitching staff.
The Giants are 9-0 in Vogelsong’s last 9 starts as a favorite. Gonzalez has been good this year, but he hasn’t been quite as sharp of late.
Vogelsong has a stellar 1.42 ERA at home this season.
I like the huge value on the run line here.
MLB Free Pick: Giants -1.5
