Nationals-Pirates Odds Preview

The Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at PNC Park. The Nationals will give the ball to starter Collin Balester in this one. Righthander Balester is 1-1 this season with a 4.00 ERA. Balester's opponent in this one will be Paul Maholm. The Pirates lefthander has a 4.70 ERA to go along with a 6-5 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Pirates listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Pirates went up 2-0 in the three-game series by defeating the Nationals 11-6 on Saturday, as +105 underdogs. That game's 17 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8.5). Andrew McCutchen led the way with three home runs with six RBIs for the Pirates. Virgil Vasquez tossed five innings for the win, allowing nine hits and three runs. Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Nationals, who were -115 favorites. Craig Stammen gave up eight hits and six runs over three innings in the loss. Current streak: Washington has lost 4 straight games. Pittsburgh has won 2 straight games. Team records: Washington: 32-72 SU Pittsburgh: 45-58 SU Washington most recently: When playing on Sunday are 6-4 Before playing Pittsburgh are 2-8 After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7 After a loss are 2-8 Pittsburgh most recently: When playing on Sunday are 6-4 Before playing Washington are 7-3 After playing Washington are 6-4 After a win are 2-8 A few trends to consider: Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games Washington is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games Next up: Pittsburgh home to Washington, Monday, August 3