Nationally Offensive

Published on 11-May-2013 by Steve Soprano

MLB    MLB Daily Stake

Share this article


 Nationally Offensive
I haven't played but maybe one baseball total all season long so far, first wanting to see how team pitching and hitting would take shape.
 
Now, with a better idea, I think there's a friendly number for betters involving the Cubs-Nationals game.
 
Bovada has the total for that game at a seemingly low 7, and much of that has to do with the reputation of Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg. But lately, the hard-throwing righty hasn't lived up to being the dominant pitcher he's been in recent past.
 
Strasburg (1-4; 3.45 ERA) hasn't won since Opening Day. His record since then is 0-4, and he's toting a sketchy ERA of 4.10 during that span. There were concerns Strasburg may be suffering more arm problems, but those worries seem to be dying down. Regardless, he hasn't looked the same lately.
 
And even if Strasburg does return to form, the Cubs will counter with Edwin Jackson, and he would gladly take the numbers Strasburg has posted during his winless streak. Jackson enters today's contest (as seen through the Bovada data tool on the Home page) at a winless 0-5 with an ERA of 6.39.
 
Making matters more appealing for over players is the way players from both teams have been swinging their bats. Adam LaRoche of the Nats is riding a seven-game hitting streak, and that's not good news for the Cubs as LaRoche, against them, has been unbearable.  He has a seven-game hitting streak against the Cubs with an average during that time of .571 with seven homers. Making matters worse for the Cubs (and anyone inexplicably playing the under) is word that Bryce Harper should return to the Nats lineup. All he has done against the Cubs is go 6-13 with two homers and four extra-base hits.
Chicago has their own hopes offensively with Starlin Castro hitting .412 over his last 8 against Washington, and Anthony Rizzo, batting .450 with seven two-baggers and seven RBI's over his last ten.
 
Way too many pitching issues and way too many successful hitters in this one to see much of a pitchers duel. Let the bats starts swingin' and the runs start coming!
 
My pick:  Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals     run total over 7