The Oakland Athletics are struggling throughout the season as they are on a historically bad pace. They are fifth in the AL West with a 33-82 record heading into this game. Righty Paul Blackburn will take the mound here and is coming off a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants where he pitched six shutout innings and gave up two hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
The Washington Nationals have a young team that is trying to get going with some more experience as they are in last place in the NL East with a 50-66 record so far. Young right-hander Joan Adon will be toeing the slab for tonight’s game and is coming off a victory over the Cincinnati Reds as he allowed three runs on three hits with zero walks and seven strikeouts in six innings of work.
Match Details
Fixture: Oakland Athletics @ Washington Nationals
Date & Time: Friday, August 11, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Venue Nationals Park in Washington, DC
Athletics vs Nationals Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
| Oakland Athletics | -1.5 (+150) | -112 | Over 9 (-115) |
| Washington Nationals | +1.5 (-180) | -105 | Under 9 (-105) |
Odds Subject to Change**
Athletics vs. Nationals Key Stats
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have been absolutely brutal at the plate this year as they are last in the majors with a .662 OPS while scoring 3.56 runs per game. They have been doing better on the road as they are 25th in MLB with a .231/.305/.376 while averaging 3.84 runs during their 56 road games. Designated hitter Brent Rooker has been leading the way as he has a .788 OPS with 18 homers, 48 RBIs, 37 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases without being caught.
Paul Blackburn has been doing a decent job throughout the year as he has a 2-2 record while posting a 4.35 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP over the course of 60 innings up to this point. Blackburn has only allowed five home runs up to this point, or one every 12 innings. He also is pitching well in terms of his control as he has 21 walks compared to 63 strikeouts on the season. Blackburn never faced the Nationals in his career so this will be an interesting interleague matchup for him.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have been an okay offensive team so far this season as they are 20th in MLB with a .715 OPS while averaging 4.29 runs per game up to this point. They have been a smidge better at home this year as they have posted a .718 team OPS while scoring 4.02 runs per game. Designated hitter Joey Meneses has been doing decently well as he has a .743 OPS with 11 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 50 runs scored.
Joan Adon has only appeared in three games (one start) this season and has done an okay job. He has a 1-0 record with a 4.91 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP in just 11 innings on the mound. He has shown good control as he has just two walks compared to 11 strikeouts thus far. However, three home runs in 11 innings need to improve.
Athletics vs. Nationals Prediction
These are two teams that have been struggling but Paul Blackburn is pithing to a 5.09 road ERA this season. The Nationals have also shown to be a better overall team in terms of record and ability so they should do well here. All in all, go with the Washington Nationals to win here in their own building.
