MLB Predictions: Los Angeles Angels vs. Washington Nationals

The Los Angeles Angels (8-10) and Washington Nationals (11-8) will open up a MLB interleague series Monday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park

Los Angeles Angels vs. Washington Nationals

Los Angeles Angels OF Mike Trout will look to get back on track at the plate Monday

Los Angeles scored just three combined in dropping its last two games against the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, including a 2-1 setback as +131 road underdogs Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total in each of those affairs. The Angels own a 8-4 all-time edge over the Nationals, but they’ll need outfielder Mike Trout to get back on track at the plate, as he’s failed to get a hit in his last two contests. Los Angeles is 22-21 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 the last two-plus seasons.

Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (2-0, 2.84 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 10-9 home defeat to the Oakland Athletics last time out, as he surrendered five runs and eight hits over seven frames. The right-hander has allowed just one earned run in winning his first two road outings of the year, with opposing hitters batting just .100 against him. In 10 career interleague games (three starts), Richards has compiled a 1-0 record and 1.27 ERA.

Washington has alternated wins and losses over its last eight games, while the OVER has gone 5-2-1 in that span. Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will have the spotlight placed on him due to Trout coming to town, as he looks to get back on track after going 2 for 15 at the plate in his last four affairs since putting together an eight-game hitting streak. Washington is 21-20 at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since the start of the 2012 campaign.

Nationals starting pitcher Tanner Roark (1-0, 5.29 ERA) will take the mound at home for the first time this season, while he’s failed to earn a decision in his last two outings, including a 6-3 road win over the Miami Marlins last time out. The right-hander has tallied a perfect 3-0 record and 0.47 ERA in seven career games (three starts) at this ballpark, as he prepares to face the Angels for the first time.Sports bettors will likely back the Nationals due to their 47-19 record in their last 66 interleague games as a favorite.