Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 5/22/2022

Time: 2:10 p.m. ET

Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wi

Where to watch: MASN 2, Bally Sports Wisconsin

DraftKings: Brewers -250, Nationals +200

BetMGM: NL

Caesars: Brewers -256, Nationals +215

Nationals: 13-28

Brewers: 26-14

What a rough day for the Washington Nationals. That's almost been a daily occurrence, but this series against the Milwaukee Brewers has just been that rough.

The Nationals had nine hits, but only brought across one run in the 5-1 loss to the leaders of the NL Central. And it also didn't help that Patrick Corbin failed to win another start. Corbin fell to 0-7 on the season and also gave up a leadoff homer to Andrew McCutchen on the first pitch he threw.

Corbin lasted only five innings but gave up all five runs in those innings, including two in the bottom of the first.

"Even in the last inning, the first-pitch home run, I thought I made some good pitches," said Corbin, who went five innings and gave up five runs, all earned. "Ground balls weren't at our guys."

The 1-5 batters combined for just two hits, which of course is just a microcosm on how bad this team has been. It's a shame because the World Series team seems like a distant memory, and there's so much of that change that has just made this team unwatchable.

"When you're not scoring runs and you get guys on base, everything magnifies," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "He'll (Corbin) go out there in five days and hopefully, we'll score some runs for him."

Andrew McCutchen may have found himself a revival with the Brewers. Which is good because it's needed for a player like that, but that could also be a dangerous time for the leaders in the NL Central.

McCutchen went 3-for-5 and his leadoff homer, and the Brewers won yet again and padded the lead in the division when there's no other team that's challenging them at this rate.

"Be ready to hit pitch one," McCutchen said of his game plan. "Get on the board early. Get on him quick. Be able to create some momentum."

That's all Milwaukee needed because Washington isn't good. And I honestly can't expect Milwaukee faltering any time soon. Because Milwaukee is just too good to let things slip up.

Brandon Woodruff pitched six innings and allowed just one run while striking out six.

"I feel like I'm moving the way I should be and in turn that helps pick up the command a little bit," Woodruff said. "Just trying to make pitches that's all I'm trying to do."

Don't overthink it. We're absolutely seeing a sweep here. Just let it ride and let it happen. Brewers win 7-2

Nationals are 4-10 in day games this season.

Brewers are 8-5 against NL East teams this season.

Brewers are 6-1 as a favorite of -200 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 - Aaron Sanchez

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 - Freddy Peralta

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