Although the Nationals won the 2019 World Series many observers say it was an accident. Washington makes no apologies for its championship. Washington defeated a loaded Astros team for a baseball betting World Series stunner. Now they open the 2020 season Thursday against the Yankees. New York is the massive public betting favorite to win the American League. Extending the hype is the arrival of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole. He signed the biggest contract ever awarded to a pitcher.
New York Yankees at Washington Nationals
| Date and Time: | Thursday, July 23, 2020, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Nationals Park, Washington, DC |
| Yankees vs. Nationals TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees | -1½ (+125) | 7½ (-110) | -135 |  |
| Nationals | +1½ (-145) | 7½ (-110) | +125 | |
| ||||
Yankees at Nationals SBG Odds Analysis
Following back to back 100-plus win seasons the Yankees are understandable online betting chalk. For all that they are baseball’s most iconic brands. Washington brings the credibility of a World Series championship. Consistent success has earned grudging respect.
Probable Starters and Bullpens
Namely, Gerrit Cole is expected to take the hill in his New York debut. Cole was 20-5 with a 2.50 earned run average in 2019 for Houston. He dominated with 326 strikeouts in 212.1 innings of work.
Meanwhile, the status of Yankee closer Aroldis Chapman is day-to-day. Chapman tested positive for the coronavirus. For 2019 he saved 37 games with a 3-2 record and 2.21 earned run average.
Balanced against the hype of Cole is Nationals Starter, Max Scherzer. For 2019 Washington’s number one starter was 11-7 with a 2.92 earned run average. Scherzer struck out 243 batters in 172.1 innings pitched. Most important of all was his playoff mark of 5-2 with a 2.40 ERA
New York Yankees at Washington Nationals Matchup
Above all New York’s strength is offensive run production and power. RF Aaron Judge, SS Gleyber Torres, and DH Giancarlo Stanton catapult Bronx Bomber power. Manager Aaron Boone begins his third season. From this point, it is World Series or bust for the Yankee skipper.
Consistent with the Nationals “accidental champion” moniker was a 19-31 start to the 2019 campaign. Notwithstanding that recovery is the fact that a 60-game 2020 schedule offers no such margin for error.
Yankees at Nationals Betting Trends
The Yankees are:
- 3-7 in their 10 most recent road matchups
- 3-6-1 under the total away from home
- 12-8 in their last 20 games vs. National League opponents
- 6-11 under the total vs. the National League
- 6-5 in their last games against Washington
- 2-7 under the total vs. the Nationals
The Nationals are:
- 3-4 in their last 17 games at Nationals Park
- over the total in just three of their last 12 home games
- 13-6 in their last 19 games against the American League
- over the total in just one out of their last 11 interleague games
- 5-4 in their last nine home games with the Yankees
- 2-5 under the total at Nationals Park against New York
New York Yankees at Washington Nationals SBG Free Pick
Of course, the Yankees are a powerhouse team. Accordingly, Cole is a top tier Cy Young Award candidate. Sharps remain concerned about New York’s baseball betting value. More emphatically the Bronx Bombers to too popular. Public money will make them a consistent overlay. In turn, the Nats are capable underdogs.
Yankees at Nationals SBG Best Bet: Washington Nationals