Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5-6-23 MLB Prediction, Odds and Tips

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5/6/23 – Game 2 in this series between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks will take place this Saturday. Friday was the inaugural game, featuring Josiah Gray and Merrill Kelly on the mound. This Saturday’s game MacKenzie Gorefrom Nationals and Arizona’s Tommy Henry will be the starting pitchers. The Arizona Diamondbacks are predicted to win against National as per the baseball betting forums.

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks

Date & Time: Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET

Location: Chase Field Phoenix, AZ

TV: Bally Sports Arizona

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5/6/23 Betting Odds

Nationals 

Moneyline: +130

Spread: +1.5 (-160)

Total: 9.5 over (-110)

Diamondbacks

Moneyline: -141

Spread: -1.5 (+140)

Total: 9.5 under (-110)

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Analysis

Once again taking three consecutive games from the Cubs, the Washington Nationals came into this series having won four out of their previous five contests. They accomplished it largely on the back of pitching, which only allowed 12 runs over that span. Pitching has been their strength this season, ranking 13th in team ERA prior to first pitch on Friday night. Washington’s pitcher, MacKenzie Gore, has had some impressive statistics so far on the mound and will look to continue this streak while at the same time rebound from his previous outing. On May 1 against the Cubs, Gore allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings – Washington’s sole loss in this five-game stretch. Gore currently sports a 1.419 WHIP for the entire season due to his league-second highest walk percentage among starting pitchers. Still, his ERA stands at 3.77 and ERA- is 85 since he ranks 10th in strikeout rate. Washington’s offense hasn’t exactly been impressive this season; entering this weekend they had put up 3.71 runs per game – more than all but two MLB clubs. The Nationals entered this series with only 19 homers on their books – surpassing one MLB team with just that total. Washington’s power outage contributed to their 29th-placed finish in slugging percentage rankings. Nationals stole 17 bases to rank 24th overall but were caught six times during their limited attempts. Victor Robles and Lane Thomas were the only Nationals batting at least 75 times to achieve an OPS over 0.700. Washington’s elite skill is making contact; their hitters possess one of the lowest strikeout rates in MLB.

The Arizona Diamondbacks baseball teams ranked fifth for average and ninth for slugging percentage. What made their offense most lethal though was speed – as evidenced by them having achieved fourth most doubles/triples combined in 2016. With all these extra-base hits and steals of 26 bases from 31 attempts, they have truly come a long way. Arizona gives themselves an extra edge in this endeavor by boasting the third-lowest strikeout rate this season. If they can increase their 29th-ranked walk rate, their offense will become an absolute disaster. At present, they rank eighth in runs per game without walking frequently. Arizona’s primary area of weakness has been pitching, as they enter this weekend 24th in staff ERA. Their walk rate ranks third highest and strikeout rate seventh lowest, and their collective HR/9 ranks 20th overall. Tommy Henry will attempt to erase those unpleasant numbers for at least five innings by pitching a gem tonight. Henry has had two starts this season that have not gone particularly well, allowing seven runs over 9.2 innings pitched. Henry was not very impressive during 2022 and in two starts so far this season has only worsened his performance. Things haven’t gone too well for the young man yet.

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Against the Spread

Under is 4-0 in Nationals last 4 overall. Under is 4-0 in Nationals last 4 on grass. Under is 4-0 in Gores last 4 starts on grass. Under is 5-0 in Gores last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-0 in Gores last 4 starts overall.

Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 overall. Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 on grass. Under is 3-0-1 in Diamondbacks last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-0 in Diamondbacks last 5 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Over is 5-0 in Henry’s last 5 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Free Pick

Arizona’s offense doesn’t need any extra help getting on base. Washington starter MacKenzie Gore, however, is one of the league’s most generous pitchers at providing free passes. If he’s helping Arizona out, it may drive him crazy with their base running skills and constant hits when at bat. Tommy Henry may not have shown much in the majors to indicate he can handle Washington effectively, but they do boast an easier lineup that should allow for success against Henry. If this contest turns into an all-out brawl, the Nationals may struggle as per the baseball betting lines. Gore and the Nationals fell to an impressive loss as Diamondbacks power roared back with several runs. 

Free Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+140)