Los Angeles Angels vs. Washington Nationals Preview

Los Angeles Angels vs. Washington Nationals: Betting Preview and Predictions for Saturday’s Matchup

As the 2024 MLB season winds down, the Angels and Nationals find themselves playing for pride rather than playoff positions. Despite having little on the line, both teams have shown fight in recent games, making their Saturday matchup an intriguing one for bettors. With Patrick Corbin taking the mound for the Nationals, the betting opportunities are even more enticing. Let’s dive into what to expect and how you can capitalize on this game.

Fading Patrick Corbin: A Betting Staple

Corbin has had a rough go of it this season, continuing a trend of struggles that has made him a favorite target for bettors looking to fade a pitcher. Corbin’s most recent outings have been disastrous—allowing 10 earned runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks and four more against the San Francisco Giants. His ERA has ballooned, and his inability to keep opposing offenses in check has become a consistent issue.

Given Corbin’s form, the strategy of betting against him remains a strong play. The Angels’ offense, led by players like Zach Neto and Logan O’Hoppe, has been producing runs, and despite their loss in a walk-off to the Nationals last night, they have the firepower to exploit Corbin’s weaknesses. Betting on the Angels’ team total to go over is a sensible approach, as Corbin’s struggles on the mound make it highly likely that Los Angeles will put up runs.

Griffin Canning: Can He Hold Up?

On the other side, Griffin Canning will be starting for the Angels. Canning has had an inconsistent season, often struggling to string together quality starts. His lack of confidence on the mound has been evident, and like Corbin, he’s had difficulty keeping runs off the board. While Canning might not be as prone to blowups as Corbin, he isn’t exactly a shutdown pitcher either.

This opens up opportunities for the Nationals, who, despite being out of playoff contention, have shown they can still compete. Last night’s walk-off win against the Angels is a testament to their resilience. If Canning falters early, Washington could make this a closer game than expected, especially if they can get to the Angels’ bullpen.

Betting the Over: Expect Runs on Both Sides

Given the shaky pitching from both starters, betting on the over for the total runs is a strong play. Both the Angels and Nationals have shown they can put up runs, especially against subpar pitching. With Corbin’s continued struggles and Canning’s inconsistency, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

The current total sits around 9 or 9.5 runs, depending on where you place your bet. With both teams likely to contribute to the scoring, the over seems like a logical choice. If you’re looking for a safer bet, consider the Angels’ team total over, as their offense has a clear advantage against Corbin.

Final Thoughts: Betting Tips and Predictions

Saturday’s game between the Angels and Nationals offers several appealing betting opportunities, particularly for those looking to fade Corbin. The Angels’ offense should have little trouble getting to Corbin, making the over on their team total a solid play. Additionally, given the potential for runs on both sides, betting the over on the total runs is another strategy worth considering.

While Canning hasn’t been a model of consistency, the Angels’ lineup should provide enough support to keep them in the game, if not secure a win. Whether you’re betting on the total runs, the Angels’ team total, or even looking at individual player props, this game presents multiple ways to potentially cash in.

As always, monitor any last-minute lineup changes or weather conditions that could impact the game, and get ready for what could be an entertaining and high-scoring contest in Washington.

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