Game Overview
The Nationals enter this matchup riding a 9-3 extra-inning victory over the Seattle Mariners, where Josh Bell hit a clutch home run to spark a seven-run 10th inning. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are looking to bounce back after back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Pirates, including a 10-1 blowout on Wednesday.
Arizona has a 14-15 home record, while Washington has been solid on the road (13-16), making this a critical matchup for both teams.
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | Jake Irvin (RHP) | 4-1 | 2.45 | 1.05 | 39 |
| Diamondbacks | Merrill Kelly (RHP) | 5-2 | 3.52 | 1.01 | 58 |
Irvin has been dominant in May, posting a 2.45 ERA across four starts, while Kelly has been Arizona’s most reliable starter, delivering three quality starts in his last four outings.
Team Comparisons
| Category | Nationals | Diamondbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 26-30 | 27-29 |
| Runs Per Game | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Batting Average | .241 | .253 |
| Home Runs | 57 | 77 |
| ERA | 4.73 | 3.82 |
| Bullpen ERA | 6.08 | 5.49 |
Arizona ranks third in the NL in slugging percentage (.445), while Washington has struggled with bullpen depth, ranking last in MLB in bullpen ERA (6.08).
Key Players to Watch
Washington Nationals
- James Wood (OF) – 15 HR, 40 RBI, slugging .571, leading Washington’s offense.
- Luis García Jr. (INF) – 13-for-37 with five doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs over his last 10 games.
- Josh Bell (1B) – Coming off a clutch home run against Seattle, heating up offensively.
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Corbin Carroll (OF) – 16 HR, slugging .560, ranking top five in NL home runs.
- Gabriel Moreno (C) – 14-for-36 with four doubles, a triple, three home runs, and six RBIs over his last 10 games.
- Ketel Marte (INF) – 10 HR, 32 RBI, hitting .281, providing middle-of-the-order power.
Matchup Breakdown
- Diamondbacks’ Power vs. Nationals’ Pitching – Arizona ranks fifth in MLB in home runs, while Washington’s pitching staff has been inconsistent.
- Nationals’ Contact Hitting vs. Diamondbacks’ Defense – Washington has a solid batting average (.241) but lacks power, while Arizona has been dominant at home.
- Bullpen Battle – Both teams have struggled in relief, making late-game execution crucial.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 9
Arizona Diamondbacks – 218
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 29, 2025
