Los Angeles Angels at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

The Los Angeles Angels (51-66) and Washington Nationals (54-64) conclude a 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 11:35 a.m. ET (Roku). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Angels vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Nationals lead 2-0

The Angels dropped their 2nd straight heartbreaker in extra innings on Saturday, 5-4 to the Nationals after a 3-2 loss on Friday. Despite the loss, SS Zach Neto had a terrific afternoon going 3-for-4 with a HR. Los Angeles tries to avoid being swept for the 1st time since the All-Star break on Sunday.

Just hours after getting called up from the minors, 3B José Tena had the Nationals’ game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning on Saturday. LF James Wood parked his 4th HR since being called up on July 1. Washington looks to complete its 2nd sweep since the All-Star break.

Angels at Nationals projected starters

RHP Jack Kochanowicz vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore

Kochanowicz (0-2, 14.14 ERA) makes his 3rd career start. He has a 2.43 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 in 7 IP.

• Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 8-2 loss at the Oakland A’s on July 20
• The 23-year-old was called up from Double-A on Saturday

Gore (7-9, 4.66 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.53 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 in 116 IP.

• Last start: Win, 5 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 8 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 11-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants Tuesday
• 2024 home splits: 5-4, 4.61 ERA (62 IP, 43 R (35 ER), 1.64 WHIP, 10.4 K/9 in 14 starts
• Only start vs Angels: No-decision, 3 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 6 K in 3-2 road loss on April 12, 2023

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Angels at Nationals odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:21 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Angels +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Nationals -142 (bet $142 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Angels +1.5 (-172) | Nationals -1.5 (+142)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -128 | U: +104)

Angels at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Nationals 7, Angels 4

PASS.

I’m on the Nationals (-142) to complete the sweep on Sunday, but not at those odds. I’ll take my wager to the run line.

BET NATIONALS -1.5 (+142).

There is no doubt that Gore has struggled over his last 6 starts. Over that span, he’s 1-2 allowing at least 3 ER in each start. Despite that, he should do enough to get a victory on Sunday against Kochanowicz, who has been called up twice this season to make spot starts and has been awful in both. The Angels as a team has a 4.45 ERA on the road which is why they are 25-31 away from Los Angeles.

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BET OVER 8.5 (-128).

The trends tell a different story than my recommendation, but my gut is telling me there is going to be a lot of runs scored. The Angels actually hit lefties reasonably well, over .250 for the season as a team. While the Nationals may not be the most potent offense, they face an inexperienced arm who has allowed 5 and 7 runs in his 2 spot starts this season.

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