MLB Handicapping: Pirates vs Nationals

Courtesy of OddsShark.com: The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Nationals Park. The Pirates will trot ace Zach Duke out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Duke has a 3-6 record and a 5.43 ERA this season. Starting this game for the Nationals will be Livan Hernandez. The righthander has a 2.22 ERA to go along with a 4-3 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Nationals listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Adam Dunn belted a two-run homer and the Nationals defeated the Pirates 7-5 on Wednesday. The Nationals won that game as -135 favorites, and the 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9) set by sportsbooks. Drew Storen went to 2-0 with the win in relief, and Matt Capps collected his 20th save in closing out the ninth. D.J. Carrasco gave up the winning run in relief and suffered the loss for the Pirates. Current streak: Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight games. Washington has won 2 straight games. Team records: Pittsburgh: 23-36 SU Washington: 29-31 SU Pittsburgh most recently: When playing on Thursday are 4-6 Before playing Detroit are 5-5 After playing Washington are 3-7 After a loss are 3-7 Washington most recently: When playing on Thursday are 3-7 Before playing Cleveland are 3-3 After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4 After a win are 3-7 A few trends to consider: Pittsburgh is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Washington Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home Washington is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh Next up: Pittsburgh at Detroit, Friday, June 11 Washington at Cleveland, Friday, June 11 The founder of forensic sports handicapping, Stevie Vincent has been a professional gambler since 2002. His plays are now public and a must for totals bettors as mastering over/under is his specialty.