The first month of the MLB season is in the books, and while it’s still too early in the season to talk about winners and losers, we are getting close to the point where it is going to become evident who the main contenders are this season. If you are a team that has yet to encounter double-digit losses, then chances are you are going to be in good stead for the season.

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MLB Betting Odds

One of those teams is the Washington Nationals, as they have started out the season looking like not just the team to beat in the National Conference, but perhaps all of baseball. We all knew that they were going to have a solid pitching staff, but what they have done on the offensive side of the ball is also amazing. They have opened up a 5.5-game lead in the NL East, and will have a chance to extend that even further when they take on the Philadelphia Phillis on Friday night.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Nationals At Phillies MLB Betting Odds & TV Info

When: Friday, May 5 at 7:05 PM EST Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Starting Pitchers: Stephen Strasburg Vs Nick Pivetta TV: MASN, CSN-P Radio: 106.7 The Fan, 94 WIP Live Stream: MLB.TV MLB Odds: Washington Nationals / S Strasburg -r  / Money Line -170

Why bet on the Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals (18-9) are quickly opening up a pretty comfortable lead on the chasing pack in the NL East, and are showing no signs of slowing down. They have already put together a +46 run differential, with perhaps their most devastating display of the season coming earlier this week when they downed the NY Mets 23-5. Strangely enough, the Nationals have saved their best performances for the road, where they are a very healthy 10-3 this season. They are on a little bit of a slowdown right now, losing 3 of their last 5 games, but that really does feel like a minor bump more than anything else. Stephen Strasburg (2-1, 3.09 ERA) will start for the Nats.

Why bet on the Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies (12-14) are currently holding on to the second spot in the division, but the gap between them and the Braves in the cellar is only a single game. Philadelphia are just 5-5 in their last 10 games, and are on a 2-game losing skid heading into a Thursday tilt with the Cubs. The Phillies have routinely struggled on the road this season, but have been better in their own park, where they are 7-4 to start the season. Despite being a couple of games under .500, the Phillies have still managed to put together a positive run differential, which may be a sign that things are not all doom and gloom. Nick Pivetta (0-1, 3.60 ERA) will get the start for the Phillies.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This is perhaps the worst run that the Nationals have been on since the season started, but it feels like a bit of a minor blip. This team just has too much talent and power, and I think they will own this series against the Phillies.

Washington Nationals 6 Philadelphia Phillies 2