Nationals vs. The Orioles are focused on pitching as both teams send strong starters to the mound

The harder it gets, the more frustrating it can be. When you win a bet, you feel like you’re on top of the world. But when you’re at a loss, like I am right now, it can be overwhelming. You feel like you are studying well every day, but the results are not what you want. If you do it in public like I am, it can be even worse. I lost again yesterday, because of the Angels and Athletics who scored 12 runs in this game. They had five runs in eight innings of the game, and seven in the other. Is that bad luck, or a bad bet? You can make that decision, but I will keep trying to get back on track.

The Washington Nationals have been surprisingly good so far this season. They are finally under .500, but have gone through the first half of the season with an even mark. Unfortunately for them, they have struggled recently, losing three of four to the Phillies and yesterday to the Orioles. However, they are playing with house money this season since no one expected them to be good. The trade deadline should interest them. They can add something and push for the playoffs, or they can trade guys and keep the program looking for next year.

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If they trade anything, it should be for some pitching because their team ERA is 4.74. One guy who has been good for them this season takes the mound tonight as Foster Griffin gets the nod. Griffin is 30 years old, so I’m curious if the team will invest in him long term. He is 8-2 on the year with a 3.15 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, both 18th in the majors. He’s been great in June, pitching to a 1.48 ERA over four starts. Only Taylor Ward of the Orioles faced him, getting two in his only at-bat.

The Orioles Bird mascot stands on the field during Pride Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 26, 2026. (Photos by Lexi Thompson-Imagn)

The Baltimore Orioles expected to improve after last year. This season has gone better, but they are still not where they want to be. They enter today’s game with a 39-44 record, sitting in fourth place in the American League East and 10 games back. This is one of the toughest divisions in this league, so winning that is not even a thought. They have good things going for them, but for whatever reason, they just couldn’t put it together for a consistent prize.

Maybe it’s their problem too. The team has a 4.39 ERA and 1.37 WHIP combined. They have a good start which will prepare them today. Brandon Young takes the mound with a 6-2 record, 1.26 WHIP, and 3.07 ERA. He didn’t pitch enough innings to qualify for any kind of major league leaderboard. He was better at home with a 2.80 ERA. The Orioles have been very good in their debut, going 10-2 in games that Young has started. He faced the Nationals earlier this year, going 3.2 innings and allowing five hits, three walks and two earned runs.

This should be a game the Orioles get based on the current form of both teams. Nothing is going so well for Washington right now. Griffin will give them a good chance to win the game, but Young has been loyal to Baltimore, so that margin goes a little out the window for the Nationals. I’m leaning toward Baltimore.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brandon Young throws a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros in Houston on Aug. 15, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Landis/AP)

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The game, however, is for the taking. Although both teams play well offensively, the starters seem to be the best to rely on in this game. Brandon Young and Foster Griffin will limit scoring opportunities. We would have hit the under yesterday if we had avoided one big inning. Hopefully we can avoid that today. Give me an under 9 for this one.

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