Free Picks: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
07/03/2021
MLB Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Dodgers vs Nationals Week 14
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals, MLB, Nationals Park

The LA Dodgers are one of the hottest teams in the game right now and look to continue their winning ways on Saturday, taking on the Washington Nationals, the Dodgers have not dropped a game to their NL foes this season. Clayton Kershaw gets the start for LA, while Paolo Espino is on the mound for the Nats.

Washington is down bad against Los Angeles.

After two consecutive nights of losses at home, the Washington Nationals will look to pick up their first win of the series on Saturday. The Nationals have dropped two straight to LA and are 0-5 against the Dodgers this season. 

Saturday’s pitching match-up will be interesting as Clayton Kershaw starts for LA, while Paolo Espino gets the nod for Washington. 

This season, Kershaw is 9-7 with a 3.25 ERA and 124 strikeouts. Kershaw is on pace to surpass his career-high in losses, currently sitting at 10 (2010). However, Kershaw’s number of innings pitched is matching those of his most dominant times in a Dodgers uniform. 

Espino has spent time in the Major Leagues and has historically had a high ERA. In his career, Espino has a career 3.70 ERA. His 2.02 ERA in 2021 is currently the lowest in his career for a singles season. 

I think Espino starting for Washington is a glimpse into the future for this BetPicks Prediction. As I said, Espino has struggled with earned runs over his career, which should bode well for LA’s hitters.  

If you’re looking to bet on a winner straight up, I would suggest taking the Dodgers Moneyline. Kershaw is gold and the Nationals are struggling against the Dodgers this season. The Dodgers are listed at -190 (10Bet) however. 

With that being said, the best MLB bet you can make for this game will be the Dodgers -1.5 on the runline. It provides better odds than the Moneyline and with Washington’s bullpen owning a 3.95 ERA, there will be tons of scoring opportunities for the Dodgers on Saturday. 

Espino has shown promise this season but has been mediocre in his career. I expect LA to make quick work of him on the bump and cruise to a victory.

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FREE PICK: LA Dodgers Runline -1.5
-120

Stats

  • Washington are 20-24 ATS at home this season. 
  • The Dodgers are 23-18 on the road in 2021. 
  • Kershaw is 2-1 in last 3 starts against Washington
  • Washington is 27-41 ATS against NL opponents.

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

MLB - AL East

TeamWLGB%
NY Yankee61250.0.709
Boston474014.5.540
Tampa Bay464015.0.535
Toronto454216.5.517
Baltimore434418.5.494

 

MLB - AL Central

TeamWLGB%
Minnesota48400.0.545
Cleveland42424.0.500
Chi White Sox41445.5.482
Detroit365111.5.414
Kansas City345213.0.395

 

MLB - AL West

TeamWLGB%
Houston56290.0.659
Seattle454212.0.517
Texas404415.5.476
LA Angels384919.0.437
Oakland295928.5.330

 

MLB - NL East

TeamWLGB%
NY Mets54330.0.621
Atlanta52362.5.591
Philadelphia46418.0.529
Miami414412.0.482
Washington305824.5.341

 

MLB - NL Central

TeamWLGB%
Milwaukee48390.0.552
St. Louis47422.0.528
Pittsburgh375011.0.425
Chi Cubs345213.5.395
Cincinnati325415.5.372

 

MLB - NL West

TeamWLGB%
LA Dodgers56290.0.659
San Diego50387.5.568
San Francisco434112.5.512
Arizona384818.5.442
Colorado384919.0.437

 

2021 Season Key Dates
Regular SeasonApril 1 – October 3
MLB DraftJuly 11-13
All-Star GameJuly 13
Trade DeadlineJuly 30
Playoffs BeginOctober 5
World SeriesOctober 26