Dodgers vs Nationals
Hot-starting Dodgers look to muzzle struggling Nats in D.C.

Dodgers (9-2) VS Nationals (3-6)
April 08, 2025 | 6:45 PM ET | Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

After rattling off six straight wins, the Los Angeles Dodgers roll into the capital brimming with confidence, while the Washington Nationals limp in on a three-game skid. The Blue Crew’s consistency has been fueled by a relentless offense and lights-out pitching — and they'll likely remain at full strength heading into this one, with no major injuries reported. Meanwhile, injuries continue to hamper the Nats' lineup as center fielder James Wood remains sidelined with a wrist issue, further weakening a team that already ranks in the bottom third of the league in team OPS. The pitching matchup strongly favors the Dodgers too — Bobby Miller (2-0, 1.89 ERA) will take the mound after dominating early this season, and historically he’s kept Washington’s bats quiet. On the flip side, MacKenzie Gore has struggled against L.A. hitters, particularly Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who have consistently found success off him in past meetings. Even this early in the season, momentum and matchup data heavily favor the Dodgers in this one. Given the odds, there’s solid value here for bettors backing the Boys in Blue. Recommendation: Los Angeles Dodgers ML at -185, Grade: A-. Odds and availability are subject to change.
Fresh off a five-game winning streak, the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers come steaming into the nation’s capital, and their explosive lineup shows no signs of cooling down. With Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman setting the tone atop the order and Shohei Ohtani already tallying five homers this season, the Blue Crew are averaging over 6 runs per game. Meanwhile, the struggling Washington Nationals limp into this matchup losers of four straight, and their overworked, inconsistent bullpen—ranked among the league's worst—won’t find much relief facing LA’s loaded offense. The Nats are also suffering from the absence of pitching anchor Josiah Gray, who is on the IL with a forearm strain. Young righty Cade Cavalli, recently activated from his own injury woes, will toe the rubber for DC, and putting him against a relentless lineup like LA’s is asking for trouble. On the flip side, while Dodgers’ southpaw Julio Urías has found success in past outings versus the Nats, the back end of LA’s bullpen has been leaky in recent appearances, potentially opening the door for late-inning runs. With warm weather expected and both teams featuring vulnerable bullpens and potent slugging (especially LA), this contest has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Take the Over 9 with confidence but temper it slightly due to Washington’s inconsistent offense. Odds and availability are subject to change.
After a sluggish 3-6 start, the Nationals are desperate for a spark—and tonight might be their shot. Facing a red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers squad riding a six-game win streak, Washington appears overmatched on paper. But baseball isn't played on paper. The Blue Crew will have Walker Buehler on the mound, sharp so far but historically pedestrian at Nationals Park, holding a mid-4.00 ERA over his last five starts in D.C. Meanwhile, the Nats counter with MacKenzie Gore, who has quietly posted a 2.84 ERA through two outings this season and looked composed against LA in previous matchups. While the Dodgers' star-studded lineup is mostly intact, they remain without catcher Will Smith due to a lingering forearm injury, which has disrupted their rhythm behind the plate. The Nationals may not win outright, but with Gore dialed in and C.J. Abrams continuing to rake at the top of the order, covering the +1.5 spread is well within reach. Given the payout at near-even odds and the Dodgers' potential for a letdown after a long road trip, this bet carries solid upside with moderate risk. Odds and availability are subject to change.
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