Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals: Under the weather
The Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals will tangle for the second time on Saturday on national television in the evening, completing a doubleheader necessitated by a postponement on Friday night. Both teams have been up and down, with their offenses and their records. Injuries to big-name hitters have been a problem for both, though those players are back in the lineup now. Let’s glance at the MLB odds for this one and put together a total runs pick.
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Betting Lines
| Team | Total | Odds |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Over 6½ | -115 |
| Washington Nationals | Under 6½ | -105 |
Brewers’ Pitching
Milwaukee will have left-hander Brett Anderson on the mound for the nightcap. Anderson is 2-3 with a 4.34 ERA, striking out 17 in 29 innings. Anderson has struggled more often than not, with three starts of less than four innings. He did go five innings in his last start, allowing two runs on two solo home runs against the Cincinnati Reds, striking out three, and walking none. He’s allowed multiple runs in four of his seven starts in 2021.
Nationals’ Offense
Washington ranks 27th in runs with 182 despite being fifth in the majors in team batting average at .254. Shortstop Trea Turner has been the most consistent hitter, batting .316 with 10 home runs and 26 RBI to lead the team in each of those categories. Washington is still waiting for outfielder Juan Soto to hit his stride. Soto has played in 36 games, batting .286 with four home runs and 16 RBI.
Nationals’ Pitching
Veteran left-hander Jon Lester gets the ball for the Nationals. The 37-year-old is 0-2 with a 5.33 ERA in his first season in Washington. Lester will be making just his sixth start of the season after starting 2021 quarantined due to COVID-19 protocols. Lester is coming off a rough start against Baltimore last Saturday, as he lasted just four innings, allowing six runs on five hits, including a home run, while walking three and striking out four. He’s allowed nine runs and four home runs over his last two starts.
Brewers’ Offense
Outfielder Christian Yelich is back but he isn’t his former MVP form. Yelich went 0-for-8 with two walks in the Brewers’ recent three-game series with San Diego, and in 18 games has just one home run. Milwaukee ranks just above the Nationals in the runs department, entering Saturday’s action 26th with 187. Outfielder Avisail Garcia leads the team with eight home runs after he hit two in his last four games.
Weather
The weather could be a problem for the second straight night for these teams, with the forecast showing at least a 50% chance of rain during the nightcap. Temperatures will be in the lower 50s with winds projected to be 11-12 mph.
Line Moves
The line for this one started at 6½ runs and has remained there.
Pick
These teams have been inconsistent in getting runs though neither pitcher in this matchup has been sterling. In the second game of the day, and with less than-ideal conditions if the game is played, these teams will struggle. Plus, the game will only be seven innings due to being a doubleheader contest. When doing your MLB betting, take the under on this one
Pick: Under 6½ Runs (-105)
