Dustin May and Mackenzie Gore Set for Pitching Showdown in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dustin May will make his first road start of the 2025 MLB season as the Los Angeles Dodgers face off against the Washington Nationals in a three-game series starting tonight at 6:45 p.m. ET. Both pitchers, once touted as future aces, are looking to elevate their careers after encountering early career challenges.

May, who is still with the Dodgers, took the mound last Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves and delivered an impressive performance, allowing just one unearned run on a single hit over five innings. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Gore, now with the Nationals after his involvement in the Juan Soto trade, had a stellar outing in his season debut, striking out 13 batters in six innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Nationals are riding high after a narrow victory over Corbin Burnes, where they scored five runs in a 5-4 win, showcasing the potential for a formidable offense. However, their overall offensive statistics have been underwhelming, ranking just above the Dodgers in batting average at .226, compared to Los Angeles’ .229.

Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández is a player to watch, coming off the best game of his season, where he hit two home runs and drove in five runs. He has also recorded a homer in three at-bats against Gore, adding to his confidence heading into the matchup.

Despite their impressive 9-2 start to the season, the Dodgers’ offense has not matched their performance expectations, currently ranking 19th in the majors in batting average. The team is looking to rebound after experiencing their first losing series of the year, where they managed to score nine runs but fell short in tight games.

The high strikeout rate of the Nationals’ lineup, currently at 30.2%, presents a significant opportunity for May. As the leading team in strikeouts, the Nationals’ performance suggests that anticipating at least five strikeouts for May could be a wise bet. He had six strikeouts in his first game of the season, and if he maintains that form, tonight’s matchup could favor the Under betting line, which is set at 8 runs.

The series opener marks a critical moment for both teams, as they seek to solidify their standings early in the season. With multiple injuries affecting both rosters—including key players like Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers—the stakes are high as each team looks to build momentum heading into the remaining games of this series.