Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles 9/14/22

Hot-hitting Lane Thomas will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Washington Nationals (-140) host the Baltimore Orioles (+120) at Nationals Park on Wednesday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the two-game Interleague series. The early total was set at 8.5 runs (O: -105 | U: -115). The Orioles (74-67) took Tuesday’s series opener 4-3, their second head-to-head victory in three games this season. Dean Kremer went five innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, to get the win, and Felix Bautista picked up his 13th save with a scoreless ninth. Ryan Mountcastle was 2 for 3 with a solo home run in the win. Ildemaro Vargas went 2 for 3 with one run for the Nationals (49-93).

ON THE MOUND

Tyler Wells (7-6, 3.91 ERA) is slated to get the start for Baltimore. The righty allowed one run over two innings in his last start, a 4-1 road defeat against the Blue Jays on September 7. He scattered two hits while striking out one and walking two in the no-decision. Wells has made one previous start against the Nationals this season, a 7-0 home victory on June 22. He allowed three hits over five scoreless innings, striking out four and walking four. For Washington, southpaw Patrick Corbin (6-18, 6.56 ERA) takes the mound. He has made one prior start against the Orioles this season, giving up three runs over four innings in a 7-0 road defeat on June 22. He gave up seven hits and walked one, while striking out six in the loss. In his last start on Friday, Corbin took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up five runs on 12 hits, striking out two, in the 5-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged only 2.4 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.2, while slashing worse across the board (.190/.260/.278). Against lefties like Corbin this season, the O’s have a .682 OPS. Anthony Santander is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .915 OPS in 137 at-bats. Washington is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.9 for the season, with a higher slash line (.305/.333/.437). The Nats have a .703 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .818 OPS over 292 at-bats, Luke Voit has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Baltimore is on a three-game winning streak away from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, bringing their record to 33-37 in 2022. The O’s have scored 4.0 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.2 runs. Washington has gone 22-48 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. The beltway rivals have split their last 10 games at Nationals Park, though Baltimore has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.0-4.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Orioles are fourth in the AL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Yankees. They are fourth in the Wild Card race, five games out of third. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 39 games behind the Mets.