The Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels will finish their three-game series on Wednesday. First pitch from Angel Stadium will be at 1:07 p.m. PT. The Angels are -180 moneyline favorites and the game total is set at 9.5 runs.
Washington (4-7 SU and 6-5 RL) won game one of the series 6-4. The Nationals will turn to southpaw MacKenzie Gore (2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in two starts) in the series finale from SoCal.
Los Angeles (5-5 SU and 4-6 RL) have dropped three of their past four games. The Angels will start righty Griffin Canning on Wednesday, manager Phil Nevin said after Monday's game. The 26-year-old started this season on the injured list with a groin strain.
Washington won't be competitive in too many games this season, but it may be more of a factor than previously anticipated. The Nationals, winners of three of their past four, have scored six or more runs during their winning streak. Will the lineup provide some more fireworks in the series finale?
Washington scores 4.18 runs per game (22nd) with a .274 batting average (6th) and a .707 OPS (21st). The Nats have hit five homers (30th) and stolen four bases (22nd) this season. The Washington pitching staff has compiled a 5.29 ERA (24th) and a 1.42 WHIP (23rd) with two quality starts.
Mackenzie Gore was nasty tonight #Nationals pic.twitter.com/s9QlsTQeNm
— Dead Center (@Dead_Center__) April 8, 2023
Wednesday's starter Gore impressed in his first two starts of the new season. The young left-hander, who was acquired last season from San Diego in the Juan Soto trade, beat Atlanta in his first outing and followed that performance with another solid outing against Colorado. This year, he's allowed three runs on eight hits and six walks in 11.1 innings. He recorded six Ks in each of his starts, as well. He'll face an unfamiliar foe in the Angels tomorrow in this interleague matchup, which could work in his favor.