Pirates vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, April 30, 2023

April 30, 2023, by Matt Rooney MLB Predictions

The Washington Nationals (9-17 look to avoid the sweep when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates (20-8) in the final game of a three-game set. Sportsbooks have listed the Pirates as -158 favorites, while the Nationals are +136 underdogs to pick up a win.

Johan Oviedo will get the ball for Pittsburgh while Washington will counter with Josiah Gray.

Pirates vs. Nationals Odds

Pirates odds to win: -158
Nationals odds to win: +136
Spread: Pirates -1.5
Total: 8 runs

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Game Time and Information

Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Time: 1:35 PM ET
TV: MASN

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Who Will Win Pirates vs. Nationals?

Pirates and Nationals Betting Trends

The Pirates have been the moneyline favorite a total of seven times this season, and they’ve won all of those games.

Pittsburgh has played as moneyline favorites of -158 or shorter in just two games this season, which it won both.

This season, the Nationals have won nine out of the 26 games, or 34.6%, in which they’ve been the underdog.

Washington is 7-11 this season when entering a game as the underdog by +136 or more on the moneyline.

The Pirates have combined with opponents to go over the total 13 times this season for a 13-14-1 record against the over/under.

The Nationals and their opponents have hit the over in 11 of their 26 games with a total this season.

Pirates Stats & Insights

The Pirates have the No. 4 offense in MLB play scoring 5.5 runs per game (154 total runs).

Pittsburgh is ninth in baseball with 34 home runs. They average 1.2 per game.

The Pirates are fifth in MLB with a .267 batting average.

Pittsburgh’s hitters strike out 7.9 times per game, the 10th-fewest strikeouts in MLB.

The Pirates pitching staff is 17th in the majors with a collective 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pittsburgh has a 3.45 team ERA that ranks sixth among all MLB pitching staffs.

Nationals Stats & Insights

The Nationals are among the lowest scoring teams in the league, ranking 27th with just 97 total runs (3.7 per game) this season.

Washington ranks last in Major League Baseball with just 15 home runs as a team.

The Nationals have a team batting average of .247 this season, which ranks 14th among MLB teams.

Washington has the fewest strikeouts in MLB, fanning only 7.1 times per game on average.

The Nationals average just 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings as a pitching staff, which ranks 27th in the league.

Washington has the 21st-ranked ERA (4.70) in the majors this season.

Pirates Key Players to Watch

The Pirates are sending Oviedo (2-1) out for his sixth start of the season. He is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA and 29 strikeouts through 29 2/3 innings pitched.

Bryan Reynolds leads Pittsburgh in runs batted in with 22 while batting .313, which is also best on the team.

Andrew McCutchen has 23 hits and an OBP of .361 to go with a slugging percentage of .483 this season.

Ke’Bryan Hayes has 25 hits this season and a slash line of .240/.304/.385.

Jack Suwinski’s six home runs are most among Pittsburgh batters. He’s driven in 18 runs this season while slugging .656.

Nationals Key Players to Watch

The Nationals’ Gray (1-4) will make his sixth start of the season.

Alex Call has two doubles, two home runs and 15 walks while batting .253.

Keibert Ruiz is batting .282 to pace his team.

Jeimer Candelario has put up a team-best four home runs.

Luis Garcia is batting .224 with two doubles, a triple, two home runs and five walks.

Pirates and Nationals Injuries

Pirates: Rob Zastryzny: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Chase De Jong: 15 Day IL (Knee), Wil Crowe: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Oneil Cruz: 60 Day IL (Ankle), Ji-Man Choi: 60 Day IL (Achilles), Jarlin García: 60 Day IL (Arm), Max Kranick: 60 Day IL (Elbow), JT Brubaker: 60 Day IL (Elbow)

Nationals: Corey Dickerson: 10 Day IL (Calf), Ildemaro Vargas: 10 Day IL (Shoulder), Israel Pineda: 10 Day IL (Finger), Carter Kieboom: 10 Day IL (Finger), Stephen Strasburg: 60 Day IL (Ribs/shoulder), Tanner Rainey: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Cade Cavalli: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Victor Arano: 60 Day IL (Shoulder)