Sunday, August 17, 2014

Nationals Park in Washington D.C.

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates will give the ball to Jeff Locke (4 - 3, 3.98 ERA) as they square off against the Washington Nationals and Gio Gonzalez (6 - 9, 4.00 ERA). Locke makes his 14^th start as Gonzalez makes his 20^th start.

Jeff Locke notched his 2^nd straight victory in his last outing. In the win, Locke gave up 4 runs and 8 hits in 5 innings of work. He walked 4 while striking out just 1. In his last 10 starts, Locke has allowed 3 or more runs 7 times. He is 4 -2 in those 10 starts. Last season, Locke started 6 games and appeared in 2 more as he compiled a record of 1 - 3 with a 5.50 ERA.

Last season, Locke didn't get the decision in his only start against the Nationals. In the past, Locke has held the Nationals to a .235 average with 4 hits and 4 RBIs in 17 starts.

Gio Gonzalez took his 4^th straight loss in his last outing. In just 4.2 innings of work, Gonzalez gave up 2 runs and 6 hits (including a home run). He walked 4 and struck out 8 but threw 111 pitches in the process. Gonzalez hasn't had a win since early July and is 3 - 5 in his last 10 starts. Last season, Gonzalez was 11 - 8 with a 3.36 ERA in 32 starts.

In 2013, Gonzalez was 1 - 0 with a 3.86 ERA in 2 starts against the Pirates. Pittsburgh is batting .301 against Gonzalez with 28 hits, 5 homers and 13 RBIs in 93 at-bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 56-58-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 57-52-10 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Washington Nationals is 0.7

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/15/14 SS Jordy Mercer Forearm questionable
08/14/14 2B Neil Walker Back questionable
08/04/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Ribs 15-day DL (8/4)
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5)
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)

Washington Nationals

08/14/14 RF Jayson Werth Shoulder questionable
08/11/14 RF Steven Souza Shoulder 15-day DL (8/10)
08/07/14 P Taylor Jordan Elbow 60-day DL (8/5)
08/05/14 LF Nate McLouth Shoulder 15-day DL (8/2)
07/25/14 P Matt Purke Elbow 60-day DL (7/25)
07/23/14 LF Ryan Zimmerman Hamstring 15-day DL (7/22)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink