MLB Betting \u2013 Nationals vs Diamondbacks Preview & Pick<\/strong> Washington Nationals (23-31 through May 31)<\/strong> You wouldn\u2019t know it from his record but Jordan Zimmermann has been a nice little bright spot in an otherwise bleak 2011 season for the Washington Nationals. In his first full season after Tommy John surgery, he\u2019s showing the telltale signs of a born-again pitcher. His velocity is in the mid-90s, he\u2019s allowed just three homers in 60.1 innings, and his 44:13 strikeout-to-walk ratio is solid. Zimmermann is also improving: this month, he has a 3.23 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 30.2 innings.<\/p>\n Unfortunately for him, run support has been hard to find. The Nats are 22nd<\/sup> in baseball in offense and 28th<\/sup> with a .233 team average. They have Zimmermann (two N\u2019s) but miss Zimmerman (one N), injured third baseman Ryan. Maybe Jayson Werth can heat up during this trip to the desert? He\u2019s 4 for 8 with a homer against Arizona\u2019s probable starter for Thursday, Zach Duke.<\/p>\n Arizona Diamondbacks (30-25 through May 31)<\/strong> The Arizona Diamondbacks are just a couple seasons removed from supposedly being one of baseball\u2019s most promising young teams. Maybe they were just late to the party? Maybe their recent surge is legit? We certainly have to take Justin Upton\u2019s power spike seriously. He\u2019s still just 23 years old and drew comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. as a rook. Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson are heralded young pitchers, so they\u2019re efforts look for real, too. Even closer J.J. Putz has always been lights-out when healthy, so his stellar play could also be sustainable.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n WAS are 3-8 in their last 11 overall. The pick: <\/strong><\/p>\n One guy whose start I don\u2019t believe in is Zach Duke. He cruised in his season debut last week but it was against the lowly Houston Astros. The Nats aren\u2019t much better but Duke has a 5.19 career ERA against them. As I said, Werth hits him hard. So does Danny Espinosa. This kid doesn\u2019t hit for average but he has a lot of pop. He has 10 homers already, including four in his last five games, and he has a homer against Duke in just two at-bats.<\/p>\n I like Washington to touch up the shaky, overrated Duke and steal a win on the road Thursday.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>June 2, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>MASN, FSAZ
\nWashington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: <\/strong>Washington -126
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>9
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\nJordan Zimmermann (2-6, 3.88)<\/p>\n
\nZach Duke (1-0, 0.00)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWAS are 3-8 in their last 11 games on grass.
\nWAS are 29-65 in their last 94 road games.
\nARI are 8-1 in their last 9 home games.
\nARI are 16-5 in their last 21 overall.
\nARI are 16-5 in their last 21 games on grass.
\nUnder is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings in Arizona.
\nWAS are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.<\/p>\n