Nationals vs Orioles
Birds ready to swoop on limping Nats in Charm City

Nationals (18-27) VS Orioles (15-27)
May 17, 2025 | 4:05 PM ET | Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

Baltimore enters this intrastate clash with some tailwind, having strung together a few wins and welcomed back key pieces to its infield, while Washington stumbles in on a skid that’s coincided with some key absences in both the lineup and bullpen. A left-handed starter takes the mound for the visitors, but the home side has typically thrived in those matchups, especially in this ballpark, which tends to suppress power to the opposite field—a notable factor against Washington’s lineup style.
On the mound, Baltimore turns to a starter with past success against this opponent, backed by a bullpen that has been quietly sharp in recent outings. While the -160 price tag isn’t exactly generous, the combination of form, roster health, and bullpen stability justifies a small play. It earns a B-grade lean for bettors looking to ride a team trending in the right direction.
Two struggling lineups square off in the nation’s capital, with each side entering on extended skids and both carrying key absences in their rotation and bullpen. Despite the hitter-friendly dimensions of Nationals Park, early offense should be tempered, as both starting pitchers bring solid recent form and matchup history into this interleague clash.
The recent scoring trends for each club—along with the cautious reintegration of key bats—suggest a game paced by pitching changes and situational hitting rather than fireworks. With neither offense clicking and playoff pressure still distant, this one profiles as a low-scoring grinder. Taking the under earns a B-grade lean for pairing current form with favorable ballpark dynamics.
Washington enters this matchup on a cold stretch, but Baltimore’s recent form hasn’t been much better, with both teams carrying roster dents that impact consistency. The Orioles’ rotation remains thin due to lingering injuries, and their bullpen has seen heavy usage of late. On the other side, Washington brings a lineup capable of manufacturing runs even without big power, and their relievers have held up reasonably well when asked to cover bulk innings.
While the home side still carries the favorite tag, the value lies with the underdog keeping things close. The run line offers extra breathing room, especially in a matchup where separation hasn’t been either team’s strength lately. Backing the visitors to stay within striking distance earns a solid B-grade, offering moderate risk and steady value.
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