The Washington Nationals are packing up their 61-67 road show and heading to Globe Life Field this Thursday at 8:05 PM EDT, bringing a team batting average of .251 that is somehow superior to the host Texas Rangers' .242 mark. It is a classic case of statistical bragging rights where the prize is merely being the tallest kid in the sandbox. Washington’s lineup is already missing some of its teeth with Drew Millas and James Wood on the 10-day injured list, which should make life much easier for a Texas pitching staff that boasts a 4.28 ERA compared to Washington's more generous 4.69 mark. If you want to watch these two franchises try to find themselves in the Texas heat, you can catch the broadcast on MLB.TV or Nationals.TV.
The sportsbooks are laying their money on the home team, installing the Rangers as -181 favorites with a tight over/under total of 7.5. Texas hands the ball to Jacob deGrom, who carries an 8-8 record and a 3.95 ERA that proves even pitching royalty has to deal with the occasional commoner's fortune. He will duel with Washington lefty Andrew Alvarez, a man whose 2-4 record and 3.72 ERA suggest his teammates treat his starts like a mandatory silent retreat. Will deGrom cruise past a depleted Washington lineup, or can Alvarez pull off the upset for the underdogs? Head over to StreakChat to lock in your pick and join the debate.