Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5/7/2023 Analysis, Predictions and Picks
The Washington Nationals will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB action at Chase Field, AZ, on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 4:10 PM ET. Luis Garcia hit a rare home run for the Nationals on the first pitch of Friday’s game, giving them the lead right away. DC’s lineup only had three hits and a walk over the next 8.2 innings. It was disappointing but not surprising given how they played during the season, considering the promising start. Washington is 29th in the category of the two teams that did not hit 20 home runs yet this season. One of the many problems a team dealing with this season that ranks 28th in runs per game is the lack of power. The Nationals’ hitters are struggling at the plate, aside from having MLB’s highest strikeout percentage. If only they could find someone with the skill of Juan Soto.
When Trevor Williams tries to get another win in this series finale, he’ll surely be asking for run support. Williams had four solid outings this year mixed with two poor starts. He did not have a good performance on the road, allowing eight runs over 16.1 innings. Williams has a decent 3.41 ERA but a 5.86 xERA, indicating that he may be due for a decline. A high left-on-base percentage (78.5%) and a low strikeout rate (15.7%) show that the pitcher had luck so far. The bullpen behind him is strong and pitched 3.0 innings of scoreless relief in the series opener on Friday.
- The Nationals Washington are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road against Arizona.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games with a team in the NL.
- Washington is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the L West Division.
Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5/7/2023 Analysis, Predictions and Picks
Before this weekend, Arizona won three of their four home series. They went on to win the first game of the series on Friday, improving their Chase Field record to 9-6. Phoenix will clinch the series with one more win. The team will win many games at any ballpark with their offense if they keep up their excellent pitching performances, which were scarce this year. The Diamondbacks were 22nd in team ERA despite holding the Nationals to one run. They were also among the ten worst teams in walk rate and strikeout rate. Ryne Nelson will take the mound in this game, but that did not solve their pitching woes in the past. Arizona lost each of his last six starts.
Although Nelson was not helped by the Diamondbacks’ offense much this season, they are usually capable of doing so. Arizona is one of nine teams this season to average at least five runs per game. The Snakes are very fast, but they were caught in their only attempt to steal a base on Friday. They have a success rate of 81.3% when stealing bases and are among the top five in doubles and triples. Arizona’s hitters are some of the hardest to strike out while having a terrible walk rate. The Diamondbacks won’t crush opponents with a barrage of home runs, but their collective .264 average may result in a bunch of hits. Odd numbers often follow.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home against Washington.
- Arizona is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the National League.
- The total went UNDER in 4 of Arizona’s last 5 games with a team in the NL East Division.
Washington Nationals Arizona Diamondbacks. The MLB pick for this game is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The success of Washington’s starter, Trevor Williams, in 2023 was due to inducing favorable contact with opposing hitters. That doesn’t look good for his chances against a team with speed and a top-10 hard-hit percentage. Williams, who does not strike out often, will be facing a lineup that does not either. Either Washington’s defense will play exceptionally, or hit balls that find gaps will make the game go Arizona’s way. Ryne Nelson, who is having a horrible season for the Diamondbacks, is on the mound, but Washington has one of the league’s worst offenses. They did not show the ability to consistently exploit subpar pitching. The Diamondbacks leave Chase Field with a happy Sunday after winning this three-game series. The Arizona Diamondbacks will win with a predicted score of 7-4.
MLB Starting Time: 4:10 PM ET
Location: Chase Field, AZ
Date: Sunday, May 7, 2023
TV: MASN
MLB Odds: Washington Nationals +145
MLB Totals: 9
