Coming into the season many thought that the Washington Nationals should have no problem running through their division. Now almost two months in they sit at fourth behind the Phillies, Braves, and Mets. Looking at this team though it is safe to say that when everything is all said and done they should return to where we expect.
The Nationals have one of the top starting rotations in all of baseball, and tonight will have newcomer Jeremy Hellickson out vs the San Diego Padres. Jeremy has been up and down through his career but seems to have taken his stuff to a new level since joining the Nats. Sometimes the win-loss column can paint the wrong picture on how a pitchers season is going. With just one win on the season, some may assume that he is having a mediocre season
Looking at his numbers a little more in-depth, Hellickson is locked in this year!! With just a 2.20 era, in 32.2 innings he has only allowed 8 ER. The Nats just have not given him the run support that he needs to continue winning
The San Diego Padres should be very nervous about going against him today. With a very heavy right-handed lineup they should struggle to get on base, Hellickson has kept righties to just a .114 batting average (5/44) on the season, that is elite!! As long as he can get around surging lefty Eric Hosmer He should have no problem owning this lineup.
The Nationals Should have no problem getting on base tonight vs. Eric Lauer and if they can keep up the offensive production they showed last night (10 runs) they should continue their climb to reclaim the top spot in the NL East.
Prediction: Washington Nationals -1.5 over San Diego Padres
3 Team Parlay Suggestion:
Boston Red Sox -1.5 over Tampa Bay Rays
Pittsburgh Pirates MoneyLine
Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies over 8.5
Cody Roberts is a Wannamakeabet.com Senior Staff Writer