The Los Angeles Dodgers have picked right back up where they left off mashing the baseball and getting superb pitching to get out to a near perfect 5-1 start. The only loss was incurred Opening Day in a wild one at Coors Field against the Rockies. Due to COVID-19, the Washington Nationals only just started their 2021 campaign on Tuesday when Juan Soto raked a walk-off winner to send the fans home a bunch of happy campers. But with a number of key bats and starting pitchers currently on the IL due to coronavirus protocols, things could get ugly real quick over the course of this series. Walker Buehler is likely to be installed a hefty home favorite at online sportsbooks in his second trip to the bump with it the home opener for the defending champs. While many a league winner normally struggles when they get their rings, LA will be locked in for this series with it the first time they’ve run into Washington since losing to them in five games during the 2019 NLDS.
First pitch for the game between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers scheduled for Friday, April 9, 2021, at 4:10 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium. The matchup will air live on the MLB Network. Bet on MLB odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
MLB Betting Lines at BookMaker.eu
Odds Analysis
Through six games, Los Angeles is the owner of the league’s No. 1 ranked scoring offense and has received four quality starts from the rotation (No. 2). In case you were wondering, the bullpen also rates out as the best in the game. You’re doing something right when you can hit the ball and back it up with solid pitching. Dave Roberts has one heck of a team at his disposal, and it’s more than been getting the job done without pertinent pieces like Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor, Tony Gonsolin, Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol. That speaks volumes about the depth of this team! With that, it comes as no surprise to see the reigning champs lined the odds on +350 favorite to win the World Series a second straight season. Washington is currently tied with the Phillies +600 to win the NL East and offers up an attractive 33-1 return to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Probable Pitchers
To Be Determined: With Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester two of the 10 Nats players put on the COVID-19 injured list at the outset of Tuesday’s season opener, it’s unknown at the time of this writing as to who will to the bump for the Nats in the series opener with the Dodgers. Options include Cade Cavalli, Jackson Rutledge, Austin Voth, Andry Lara, Tim Cate and Cole Henry. Whomever it ends up being, they’ll have their hands full with a menacing Dodgers lineup that simply just doesn’t have an easy out 1-8; sometimes 1-9!
Walker Buehler: Buehler’s first start of the season was nothing to write home about. He took the no decision after slinging six innings of 2 ER ball at the Rockies. He struck out four and issued no free passes, but the home run ball proved to be an issue once again. He served up a solo shot to Raimel Tapia in the third inning to allow for Colorado to get on the board first. Ultimately, he was bailed out by the offense after it afforded him the opportunity to log the win by taking the lead in the sixth inning. Buehler has now allowed at least one home run in seven of his last 13 starts dating back to last season. Lifetime however, Walker has only served up a single home run to the Nats current batting order. Regardless, he best make it a point to avoid Juan Soto’s bat. If not, that trend will increase to eight of the last 14!
Nationals vs. Dodgers Prediction
Though very early in the season, this will be the Nationals fourth game played over a five-day stretch due to partaking in a doubleheader against the division rival Braves on Wednesday. Pair that with the fact that it’s ring day in Chavez Ravine and LA will be foaming at the mouth to finally have a shot at redeeming that postseason loss, I can’t help but think linemakers won’t be able to set the line high enough for the betting public to not throw caution to the wind and back the home team at all costs. The Dodgers will undoubtedly lose a number of games this season. It’s the nature of the beast when dealing with a 162 game schedule. However, this won’t be one of those times. If you refuse to play heavy chalk, look to the run-line and alternate run-lines instead to reduce your exposure. Or just throw the Dodgers in a parlay to make things a bit more interesting.
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