MLB Picks: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals

The Milwaukee Brewers (32-48) and Washington Nationals (41-40) will open up a three-game National League series Monday night at Nationals Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals OF Bryce Harper is expected to return Monday

Milwaukee has dropped five consecutive games due to scoring just 11 runs over that span, which includes a 2-1 setback to the Pittsburgh Pirates as +132 road underdogs Sunday. “That’s baseball. Your winning streaks and your losing streaks are never really one for one,” commented Brewers outfielder Logan Schafer. The Brewers are 13-25 when playing away from Miller Park this season, including a 2-4 mark as underdogs of +150 to +175 in that situation.

Brewers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (6-7, 4.20 ERA) will look to bounce back from a 5-4 home loss to the Chicago Cubs last time out, as he allowed five runs (three earned) and eight hits over four frames. The right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA in eight road outings, surrendering just three home runs in 48.2 combined innings. In eight career games (seven starts) versus the Nationals, Gallardo has compiled a 3-2 record and 4.89 ERA, including a 1-1 mark and 5.06 ERA in four efforts at this ballpark.

Washington has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, as it picked up a 13-2 blowout victory over the New York Mets Sunday, while going OVER the betting total of 7. The Nationals are 6.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings, as they look to build some momentum with the return of one of their best players. “It’s good to get Bryce Harper back,” commented Nationals manager Davey Johnson. Washington is 10-7 at home when the betting total is 7 or less this season.

Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman (11-3, 2.28 ERA) has led the club to five consecutive victories, including a 3-2 home win over the Arizona Diamondbacks last time out, as he allowed two runs and three hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 8-0 with a 1.09 ERA in nine home starts, surrendering just a single home run in 66 combined innings. In two career starts versus the Brewers, Zimmerman has tallied a 2-0 record and 1.42 ERA.