MLB Odds Pirates at Nationals MLB Picks – June 8th, 2010: National League rivals Pittsburgh and Washington begin a three game series tonight in the Nation's Capitol. Both teams are at or near the bottom of the standings in their respective divisions, but this evening's contest has special significance because it marks the major league debut of pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm ET at Nationals Park. MLB Odds at BetUS.com have the Nationals listed as a -220 moneyline favorite; the game total is set at 8.5 with the Under drawing -120 odds.
The Nationals come into tonight's ball game having lost two in a row and seven of their last 10 games. They wrapped up 
the weekend by losing two out of three to the Reds at home, bringing their record to 27-31 on the year. Washington's recent woes have relegated the team to a familiar spot, the National League East basement. However, they are still within reach of respectability at 6.5 games back of the first place Braves.
Rookie hurler Stephen Strasburg has been the talk of baseball for over a year now, and the Nationals are hopeful that his call up helps them remain competitive in the division race. Strasburg, who boasts a fastball near 100mph as well as a solid change-up and curveball, has been brilliant in the minor leagues, going 7-2 with a 1.30 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 55.5 innings pitched.
Pittsburgh, like Washington, has fallen on rough times, also losing seven of its last 10 games as well as 12 of its previous 17. The Pirates now stand at 23-34 and 9.5 games behind the first place Cardinals. Pittsburgh has not taken over the cellar in the Central, though, as it remains a game and a half ahead of the Astros.
The Pirates will counter Strasburg with 27 year old right hander Jeff Karsten. Karsten has produced a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 10 appearances this season (four starts). He is, however, coming off one of his better outings of the year, giving up six hits and two earned runs in a 3-2 win over the Cubs. The Texas Tech product has had trouble away from home, where he is 0-1 in five appearances (Pirates 1-4) with a 5.31 ERA and .345 batting average against.
MLB Odds Betting Trend: The Under is 8-2 in the Nationals last 10 games as a home favorite in the month of June with a total between 8.5 and 9.
BetUS.com MLB Odds: Pirates at Nationals MLB Picks – June 8th, 2010:
Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (-115), Over 8.5 (+100), +180 (Moneyline)
Washington Nationals -1.5 (-105), Under 8.5 (-120), -220 (Moneyline)
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