Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 5/20/2022

Time: 8:10 p.m. ET

Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wi

Where to watch: MASN 2, Bally Sports Wisconsin

DraftKings: Brewers -190, Nationals +160

BetMGM: Brewers -190, Nationals +155

Caesars: Brewers -185, Nationals +165

Nationals: 13-26

Brewers: 24-14

You probably won't see a bigger sigh of relief than what the Washington Nationals had today in regard to their 10-inning win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Because man oh man, did they need one after getting blitzed the previous two games.

And on this day, it would Keibert Ruiz who was the star with three hits and a go-ahead RBI double in the extra frame to give the Nats a 5-4 win in the 10th over the suddenly-good Marlins.

Not only did Josiah Gray outduel Pablo Lopez, which was the bigger story here, but the Nationals got the more timely hits over Miami. That's the one thing that's plagued Washington to this point.

"I wasn't trying to do too much, just look for my pitch," Ruiz said. "I found something that I could drive and bring in the run. Thank God I found that pitch and we got the result we wanted."

"We had a game plan against Pablo, he's a tremendous pitcher," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "We wanted to see him throw the ball up and stay away from his changeup. We did a good job with that."

Gray went six innings and gave up three runs while striking out seven.

"You just go out there and attack the zone and put up zeroes for the team," Gray said. "More times than not, if I get it to the spot I want to, it's going to be a good pitch."

The Milwaukee Brewers keep finding ways to win. This time, it involves on a walkoff homer against the Atlanta Braves, demolished by a man named Keston Hiura. His two-run homer off Jesse Chavez in the 11th inning to win 7-6.

Those who had the moneyline were rejoicing in offices everywhere.

Hiura was battling the flu the night before, came back after being called up from Triple-A Nashville, and became a hero the world needed.

"I can't wait for some sleep, that's for sure," said Hiura, who was officially called up from Triple-A Nashville before the game after arriving in Milwaukee on Tuesday. "I tossed and turned last night."

The most important factor here is the Brewers are 10 games over .500 and are cushioning their lead even further in the NL Central. Hunter Renfroe went 2-for-3, and Tyrone Taylor went 2-for-5  with an RBI for what was a great day from 1-6 in the lineup.

"It was just a great team win," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "We had a lot of guys who came up clutch and had great at-bats in big spots, and Keston kind of topped it off."

Corbin Burnes went six innings but threw 105 pitches in what was a rare off night from the reigning Cy Young winner. With Eric Lauer off to a strong start, and getting the nod on the bump against Erick Fedde on Friday, it's another opportunity for the Brewers to show their pitching dominance.

Not really thinking too much of an upset here. I like the Brewers in a dominant game. Brewers win 6-0

The Nationals are  8-10 as an underdog this season.

Nationals are 2-9 after a win this season.

Brewers are 14-7 as a favorite of -150 or more this season.

Nationals:
Cesar Hernandez (S) 2B
Juan Soto (L) RF
Josh Bell (S) 1B
Nelson Cruz (R) DH
Yadiel Hernandez (L) LF
Keibert Ruiz (S) C
Maikel Franco (R) 3B
Lane Thomas (R) CF
Alcides Escobar (R) SS
SP - Erick Fedde

Brewers:
Kolten Wong (L) 2B
Luis Urias (R) SS
Christian Yelich (L) LF
Hunter Renfroe (R) RF
Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
Rowdy Tellez (L) DH
Mike Brosseau (R) 3B
Keston Hiura (R) 1B
Victor Caratini (S) C
SP - Eric Lauer

Batting average: Josh Bell -- .316

Hits: Josh Bell -- 43

Home runs: Juan Soto -- 8

RBI: Josh Bell -- 22

Wins: Josiah Gray -- 4

Saves: Tanner Rainey -- 3

ERA: Josiah Gray -- 4.36

Batting average: Hunter Renfroe -- .250

Hits: Hunter Renfroe -- 33

Home runs: Two tied -- 9

RBI: Rowdy Tellez -- 30

Wins: Brandon Woodruff -- 4

Saves: Josh Hader -- 14

ERA: Corbin Burnes -- 2.26