MLB Picks: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals

The Arizona Diamondbacks (41-34) and Washington Nationals (37-38) will open up a three-game National League series Tuesday night at Nationals Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals went 4-2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks a season ago

Arizona had its four-game winning streak snapped last time out, as it suffered a 4-2 home loss to the Cincinnati Reds as +134 home underdogs, while going UNDER the betting total for the sixth time in seven contests. “We hung in there,” commented Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson. “You’re not going to win them all.” The Diamondbacks are 20-18 overall on the road this season, as they prepare to paly their next 10 games on the East Coast. Arizona is 6-2 in its last eight games against NL East opponents, with the UNDER going 12-3-1 in its last 16 opportunities in that situation.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (3-8, 3.92 ERA) was struck on the right hip by a line drive in the first inning and left with no outs in the second in his last start, as he tries to snap a personal four-game losing streak. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 3.96 ERA in six road outings, issuing 16 walks and striking out 20 batters in 38.2 innings of work. In two career games versus the Nationals, Cahill has compiled a 1-1 record and 3.38 ERA.

Washington split a four-game home series with the Colorado Rockies, but dropped the last two contests, including a 7-6 setback as -129 favorites Sunday. “We’ll come back after an off day and try to get going again,” commented Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals went 4-2 against the Diamondbacks in 2012, including a 2-1 mark at this ballpark. Washington is 4-1 in its last five home games versus a team with a winning record.

Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.34 ERA) hasn’t earned a decision since suffering a 6-2 home loss to the Baltimore Orioles on May 27. The left-hander is 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA in seven home outings, with opposing hitters batting just .191 against him. Gonzalez tallied a 7-2 home victory over the Diamondbacks in his only career start against them on July 3, 2011, allowing one run and five hits over seven strong innings.