As the interleague series concludes in the nation’s capital, fans are eager to see how the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals will fare in their final matchup. The Royals are battling for a playoff spot, while the Nationals find themselves in a rebuilding phase. This Thursday afternoon game marks the last of a three-game series, following the Royals’ hard-fought 1-0 victory in 10 innings on Tuesday, which ended their seven-game losing streak. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the Royals can secure a series victory or if the Nationals will play the role of spoiler at home. This article was prepared before the outcome of the middle game on Wednesday night.
Royals Aim to Secure Wild Card Position
The Kansas City Royals ended their recent slump with a narrow victory over the Nationals in the series opener. With a record of 83-74, the Royals are tied for second place in the AL Central, trailing the Guardians by 7.5 games. They are also in contention for one of the American League’s wild card spots, tied with the Tigers and holding a two-game lead over the Twins. In the latest game, the Royals managed eight hits, with Bobby Witt Jr. standing out by collecting two hits. The decisive run came in the top of the 10th due to a throwing error by the Nationals. Starting pitcher Cole Ragans had a solid outing, tossing six scoreless innings and striking out six batters, although he did not earn the win. Angel Zerpa ultimately secured the win in relief, and Lucas Erceg earned his 12th save.
Michael Wacha is set to take the mound for the Royals as he approaches his 29th start of the season. With a record of 13-8 and a 3.28 ERA, he has been a reliable presence in the rotation, striking out 143 batters over 161.2 innings. Despite taking a loss in his last outing against the Giants, Wacha boasts a 1.53 ERA over his past three starts. He has faced the Nationals seven times in his career, with an impressive 4-2 record and a 2.74 ERA against them. In his five starts at Nationals Park, he has a 4.18 ERA, showcasing his ability to perform in various environments.
Nationals Looking to Disrupt Royals’ Plans
The Washington Nationals are struggling, having lost seven of their last eight games. As of Wednesday, their record stands at 69-88, placing them fourth in the NL East, significantly behind the division-leading Phillies. Their playoff hopes have long been extinguished. In the opener of this series, the Nationals managed only five hits, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, going 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position. Mitchell Parker pitched five solid innings, but the bullpen faltered, leading to Kyle Finnegan’s loss after allowing an unearned run.
Patrick Corbin will take the mound for the Nationals, making his 32nd start this season. With a record of 6-13 and an ERA of 5.58, Corbin has struggled, giving up over 100 earned runs for the fourth consecutive season. He did not receive a decision in his last outing but has a challenging task ahead against a Royals lineup eager to secure a playoff berth. Corbin has faced the Royals three times previously, holding a 1-0 record with a 3.38 ERA. His performance at home has been inconsistent, which could be a concern for the Nationals as they look to disrupt Kansas City’s playoff ambitions.
Best Bets for Kansas City Royals vs. Washington Nationals
The first game of the series showcased a strong pitching battle, with both teams struggling to generate runs. The Royals’ victory helped them maintain their position in the race for the second wild card spot in the AL. Wacha’s performance has been notably superior to Corbin’s, who has consistently allowed a high number of earned runs. Given Wacha’s recent form and the Royals’ motivation to reach the postseason, they appear to have the advantage heading into this matchup.
