Washington at Pittsburgh

Unless Paul Skenes is pitching, the Pirates should never be this high of a favorite, and Skenes is not on the hill today. Instead, this shapes up to be a bullpen game for Pittsburgh. Washington, with its 7-4 road record, is not getting enough respect here. The Nationals edged the Pirates, 5-4, yesterday. It was the 10th time in their last 12 games that the Nationals have scored at least five runs. Washington leads the majors in runs scored at 5.8 per game. The Nationals are also fourth in batting average and fifth in homers. Washington shortstop CJ Abrams is emerging as a star. He is second in the NL in batting at .356 and second in RBI's with 19. The Nationals swept three games against the Brewers in Milwaukee during their previous series. Washington is 2-1 in Jake Irvin's three starts this season. Take the Nationals.