Nationals vs. Marlins Odds & Betting Predictions - September 4, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice The Nationals have dominated the Marlins, taking eight straight meetings between the teams. There is also a significant mismatch in the pitching matchup during the first five innings in favor of Washington. MacKenzie Gore has been more reliable on the mound lately, keeping a 4.08 ERA over his last three starts. Despite this modest ERA, he's flashed greatness at times this season, specifically against premier lineups like the Yankees and Braves - to whom he combined to allow three runs in his last two starts. Gore was brilliant against Miami earlier this year, tossing seven innings of one-run ball while punching out 10 and proving he can shut this Marlins lineup down. On the other hand, Valente Bellozo has really struggled of late, posting an 8.36 ERA over his last three starts. He has been particularly bad against the Rockies and Cubs, allowing a combined 11 earned runs between the two starts. Bellozo has yet to show he can hold down even average lineups, let alone one that is hitting as hot as the Nationals. Washington has been particularly effective against right-handed pitching of late, posting a .274 team batting average over their past five contests, and has a strong chance to jump out to an early advantage here. Also, the Marlins' recent trouble against left-handers should bode well for Gore, who is coming into a period where Miami is hitting only .227 over its last five games, compared to .286 off right-handers within that span, which seems to suggest that this lineup might struggle early in this one against the southpaw. Taking into consideration Washington's consistent advantage over head-to-head matchups as a whole, coupled with the pitching advantage, puts more weight on a fine start for the Nationals through the first five innings.