Washington Nationals vs Oakland Athletics Prediction 8-13-23 MLB Picks

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13 August 2023

The Oakland Athletics and the Washington Nationals meet Sunday in MLB action from Nationals Park. This will be the finale in a three-game series over the weekend. The Nationals powered out a six-run win in the opener, and in game two Washington made it two in a row with a close walk-off victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Oakland Athletics

The A’s couldn’t find much offense in the opener of this series, posting six hits in an 8-2 loss. Both RBI came from a first-inning hit by Jordan Diaz. On Saturday in game two, Oakland had a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the eighth but ultimately lost 3-2 in a walk-off. Both JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker had solo home runs for the RBI.

For the starter job Sunday the A’s are going with Ken Waldichuk. Over his 26 games (15 starts) this year Waldichuk is 2-7 with a 6.30 ERA and 96 Ks in 94.1 innings. Waldichuk is 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in his last seven games (four starts).

Oakland Athletics Team Facts

The Athletics have lost each of their last nine games against NL East opponents.
The Athletics have covered the run line in seven of their last eight day games against National League opponents.
The Athletics have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.
The Athletics have led after 7 innings in three of their last four games as underdogs against National League opponents.
The Athletics have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last seven day games against opponents that held a losing record.

Oakland Athletics Player Prop Facts

Esteury Ruiz ranks 2nd in the league in Steals (46) this season.

Washington Nationals

Over on the Nationals’ side, they had 12 team hits in the Friday victory. Washington was fueled by Ildemaro Vargas with four RBI, a homer and two runs. Jake Alu had two RBI as well. In game two Washington got a walk-off home run from Keibert Ruiz to cap the comeback win. Alex Call and Lane Thomas also had one RBI apiece.

As starting pitcher Sunday the Nationals will send out Trevor Williams. In his 23 starts so far Williams is 5-7 with a 5.00 ERA and 86 Ks in 113.1 innings. Williams is 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over his last seven starts combined.

Washington Nationals Team Facts

The Nationals have won each of their last nine games as favorites against American League opponents following a home win.
The Nationals have covered the run line each of their last eight day games against American League opponents that held a losing record.
The Nationals have led after 7 innings in each of their last seven day games against American League opponents.
The Nationals have led after 5 innings in each of their last four day games against American League opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

CJ Abrams ranks T6th in the league in Steals (29) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

The Washington Nationals ranks 30th in the league for home runs allowed this season (173).
The Washington Nationals ranks 29th in the league for home runs this season (108).
The Oakland Athletics ranks 30th in the league for runs scored this season (413).
The Oakland Athletics ranks 30th in the league for hits this season (849).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK

I’m probably sticking with the A’s. Also probably avoiding this one. Waldichuk hasn’t been too bad over his last three starts, even though he’s 0-1 in that time. Waldichuk has six earned on eight hits and six walks over his last 14.1 frames combined. As for Williams, he’s struggled lately with 15 earned runs over his last 14.2 innings. Oakland should have some opportunities at the plate in this one. On Saturday the A’s were in pretty good shape for most of the game despite a tepid offensive evening. Oakland has scored two runs or fewer in four straight games, so they’re going to have to step up at the plate in the finale.