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Nationals vs. Pirates Prediction and Odds for Sunday, April 17 (Patrick Corbin Is Struggling Mightily)

By Matt De Saro

Washington Nationals starter Patrick Corbin.
Washington Nationals starter Patrick Corbin. / Todd Kirkland/GettyImages
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Something strange is going on in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are actually winning games. While they still don't have a winning record, they are 3-4 to start the season. Their offense is also the sixth-best in the league in terms of batting average and ninth in on-base percentage.

These are impressive numbers for a team that was expected to be one of the worst teams in the MLB. And while that still might be the case, I have to admit they look good right now. 

The Nationals are also a sub-.500 team to start the year and have split the first two games of this series with the Pirates. Those last two games have been very high scoring with a total of 22 combined runs scored. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Nationals vs. Pirates Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

  • Nationals:(-110)
  • Pirates: (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Nationals:
  • Pirates:

Total:

  • Total (Over -110/Under -110)

Nationals vs. Pirates Prediction and Pick

Those looking for a pitcher's duels might want to look elsewhere on Sunday. Patrick Corbin will make his third start for the Nationals after his first two were a complete disaster. I know it's early on but Corbin cannot suffer through another meltdown and hope to remain in this rotation.

Corbin’s ERA shot to 10.80 after giving up six earned runs in 2 ⅔ innings against the Braves on Tuesday. He struck out three and walked three and had one of the worst starts of his career. He’s now given up eight runs in 6 ⅔ innings with a 7/5 strikeout to walk rate.

Jose Quintana is scheduled to start for the Pirates and he had a great debut last week against the Cubs. While he was saddled with a loss, Quintana gave up just one earned run in 5 ⅓ innings for work. He struck out three and walked two. The lone run came off a Kurt Suzuki solo shot. 

My thought on this game boils down to my confidence in Corbin to regain his ability to win games in the MLB. Or, at the very least, not put the Nationals in a no-win situation by getting blown up again. The Pirates scored nine runs against the Nats on Thursday and I think they get another win here to end this four-game set. 

Pick: Pirates ML

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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