Minnesota vs Washington MLB Odds Analysis

On Saturday afternoon, the Washington Nationals host the Minnesota Twins. The Nationals (11-4) are in first place in the National League East and just split a four-game set in Miami, losing on Thursday, 5-1. The Twins (5-11) are in fifth place in the American League Central and just beat the Brewers, 8-1,m on Thursday to snap a seven-game losing streak. Find out the latest MLB betting odds here.

Minnesota Twins vs Washington Nationals MLB Odds Analysis

When: Saturday, April 23, 2016, 1:05pm Eastern time Where: Nationals Park, Washington, DC TV: MASN, FSN Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan Washington Live Stream: MLB.tv MLB Odds: TBA Pitching Matchup: Phil Hughes (1-2, 4.42 ERA) (MIN) vs Tanner Roark (1-2, 3.71 ERA) (WAS)    

Why should you bet on Minnesota?

The Twins send Phil Hughes to the hill, and he is as close to an ace as Minnesota has so far this year. He has posted three consecutive quality starts and won his last time out, beating the Brewers on Monday. He permitted three earned runs on six hits and gave up two walks in six innings. Sluggers Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman are only hitting .333 on their career so far against Hughes, who has played his career in the American League.

Why should you put your money on the Nationals?

Bryce Harper is already headed to an MVP award this season on the basis of his bat. Despite the fact that he is only batting .225, he has clubbed eight home runs, has an .849 slugging percentage and has 22 runs batted in — all in 16 games. At this rate, he would beat Hack Wilson’s RBI record (190) by more than 30. Despite his public feud with the team last season, Jonathan Papelbon has returned to fill the closer’s role superbly, and the starting pitching has also been solid. Tanner Roark, Saturday’s projected starter, gives up a ton of hits but has avoided damage so far, keeping a 3.71 ERA.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like Phil Hughes to have a strong start against this Nationals team. This might be the only game that the Twins win in this weekend series, but I’m predicting a 5-1 MInnesota victory.