Free MLB Picks Today: Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals 5/18/23

The Miami Marlins (22-21) host the Washington Nationals (18-25) at loanDepot park on Thursday with the home team in position for a sweep of the three-game series.

The Marlins lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-3 on Wednesday. Edward Cabrera got the win, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings and striking out six, and Dylan Floro picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth.

Jorge Soler’s on-base streak reached 10 games as he went 1 for 3 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Jeimer Candelario was 3 for 4 with a double and one run for the Nationals. Corey Dickerson added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

Trevor Williams (1-1, 4.23 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Washington. The right-hander allowed one run over 2.1 innings in his last start, a 3-2 home win over the Mets on Saturday. He scattered two hits while striking out one in the no-decision.

Williams is making his first appearance against the Marlins this season. Over four appearances (one starts) against the Marlins in 2022, Williams was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA over 11 innings. He had 12 strikeouts and no walk.

Righty Eury Perez (0-0, 3.86 ERA) is on the mound for Miami. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Nationals. In his last start on Friday, Perez took a no-decision at home against the Reds. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking two in the 7-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Washington has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.0. Against right-handed pitchers like Perez this season, the Nats have a .650 OPS, third lowest in the league. Candelario is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .752 OPS in 109 at-bats.

Miami is averaging 4.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.5 for the season. The Fish have a .673 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .991 OPS over 110 at-bats, Luis Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Washington is 10-11 away from Nationals Park in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Miami has won three in a row in front of their home fans.

The Fish are 13-11 at home this season, averaging 3.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 meetings at loanDepot park, Miami is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 4.9-2.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, nine games behind the division-leading Braves. The Marlins are second in the NL East, five games behind the Braves.