Lane Thomas will be looking to extend his 16-game on-base streak as the Washington Nationals (18-27) host the Detroit Tigers (20-22) at Nationals Park on Saturday.
The Tigers took Friday’s series opener 8-6. Starter Matthew Boyd went 5.2 innings to get the win, giving up three runs on four hits, and Alex Lange pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his eighth save.
Riley Greene was 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs in the win. Akil Baddoo added a home run and four RBIs. Keibert Ruiz went 2 for 3 with a home run and a double for the Nationals. He scored two runs and drove in two. Thomas added a home run and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Alex Faedo (0-1, 4.22 ERA) is set to get the start for Detroit. The RHP allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-0 home defeat against the Mariners on May 13.
He was charged with the loss, scattering four hits while striking out seven and walking one. For Washington, left-hander Patrick Corbin (2-5, 4.65 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Tigers.
In his last start on Monday, Corbin got the win at home against the Mets. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on eight hits, striking out one and walking one in the 10-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.6. Against lefties like Corbin this season, the Tigers have a .680 OPS.
Javier Baez is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a .885 OPS in 34 at-bats. Washington is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.0 for the season, with an improved slash line (.280/.328/.482).
The Nats have a .656 OPS against righties in 2023, fourth lowest in MLB. With a .782 OPS over 115 at-bats, Jeimer Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Detroit is 10-12 away from home in 2023, scoring 3.5 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Washington has gone 8-15 at home this season, averaging 3.3 runs per game while surrendering 5.1. Washington is 4-2 in six games between the teams at Nationals Park with an average scoreline of 4.3-4.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Tigers are second in the AL Central, two games behind the division-leading Twins. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 10 games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Washington Nationals (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
