Fernando Tatis Jr. will be looking to extend his 16-game on-base streak as the San Diego Padres (37-39) host the Washington Nationals (28-47) at Petco Park on Saturday.
The Padres took Friday’s series opener 13-3, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season. Starter Joe Musgrove went seven innings, allowing one run on six hits and striking out seven, to get the win.
Juan Soto’s on-base streak is up to 11 as he went 2 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and had three RBIs. Tatis Jr. went 3 for 4 with a double and three runs. Michael Chavis was 1 for 1 with a solo home run for the Nationals. CJ Abrams added two doubles and one RBI.
ON THE MOUND
Josiah Gray (4-6, 3.64 ERA) is in line to start for Washington. The righty allowed six runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-6 road defeat against the Cardinals on Monday. He took the loss, scattering nine hits while striking out six and walking one.
Gray is making his first appearance against the Padres this season. Gray made one start against the Padres in 2022, a 2-1 road loss on August 20. He surrendered one run on four hits over five innings, striking out three and walking five.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Washington has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.1. San Diego is averaging 6.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a higher slash line (.302/.375/.503).
The Padres have a .699 OPS against righties in 2023. With a 1.016 OPS over 177 at-bats, Soto has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Washington is 15-20 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. San Diego has won three in a row at home.
The Padres are 20-20 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. In the last 10 games between the teams at Petco Park, each club has won five, though Washington has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.3-4.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 20 games behind the division-leading Braves. The Padres are fourth in the NL West, eight games behind the Diamondbacks.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
SD Padres (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
