MLB Baseball
2012-07-14 - Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: Major League Baseball
Saturday 14 July 2012 - First Pitch 7:10pm ET
12:10am (British Standard Time)
Preview
It is a big surprise to many that the Washington Nationals (50-34) are leading the way in the National League East, especially as the Philadelphia Phillies are bottom of the Division. The Miami Marlins (41-45) are trailing the Nationals by 10 games after losing game one of the series last night.
Much of the successes of the Washington Nationals have been behind the strong pitching rotation they have at their disposal and tonight will be no different as they send Gio Gonzalez to the mound. Gonzalez is 12-3 this season with a 2.92 ERA and he is tied for the most wins in the Major Leagues as well as being third in the list of strikeout per 9 innings.
The pitcher has actually won his last four starts for Washington and should be full of confidence having pitched for the National League in the All-Star game on Tuesday night. Gonzalez also held the Miami Marlins scoreless in 8 innings pitched against them earlier this season.
Miami have been a slight disappointment this year so far, but they know a strong second half of the season may see them sneak a Wild Card spot, although they are in a tough Division. They will look to counter Gonzalez tonight by sending Mark Buehrle to the mound in a bid to improve his 8-8 record and a 3.25 ERA.
Buehrle was pitching well before the All-Star break as he won three consecutive starts and had a 0.83 ERA. This game represents his first chance to win four in a row in over three years, but it won't come easy unless the batting line up can wake up following some slumbering performances.
The Marlins are averaging less than 3 runs a game in their last 5 games.
Head to Head
The season series between the Divisional rivals is tied at 3-3 so far this season.
Miami had won all three home games against Washington this season before losing last night.
The Marlins are 22-23 at home this season, Washington are 26-18 on the road.
Prediction
I like the Washington Nationals to extend their lead over the Miami Marlins in this one as I think they have the definite pitching advantage on the mound and I believe they are working better at the plate than their opponents.
I was a little surprised that it has been set as a pick 'em contest, but I think that is mainly down to the form that Mark Buehrle showed in the final three starts before the All-Star break. However, I don't think he is as consistent as Gio Gonzalez who has led the Washington Nationals to 14 wins from his 17 starts so far this season.
It wouldn't surprise me if runs are at a premium tonight, but I think the Nationals will have a little more and earn the win.
The Pick :
Miami Marlins 1-2 Washington Nationals
