Game two of the three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (63-56) and Washington Nationals (53-67) is coming up soon for MLB betting in Tennessee. Can the Red Sox win two straight on the road?

When: Game 2 on August 16, 2023 at 7:05 PM ET

Where: Nationals Park in Washington, District of Columbia

Watch on: ESPN+

Boston Red Sox Preview

The Red Sox are fourth in the AL East behind the leading Baltimore Orioles by 10.5 games. They have gone 4-1 over their most recent five games and have an opportunity to continue their dominance. James Paxton earns the start on the mound for game two and is 7-3 this year (3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)

They do not typically have issues at the plate, with a batting average of .262. However, their opponents also tend to do well and average .255. This is not a lot of breathing room and it could impact the game.

With their good offense at the plate, their on-base percentage is also good at .327. Their pitching might need some adjustments with an ERA of 4.32, but it is slightly better than the Nationals.

The Red Sox have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games and have done well against good teams. They are a coin flip on the road at 28-28 and 25-35 as the favorite for the run line.

Washington Nationals Preview

The Nationals are not in shape for the playoffs, as they are last in the NL East by 24.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. They have gone 3-2 in their last five matchups, with all three of those wins against the Oakland Athletics (one of the worst teams in the league). MacKenzie Gore is their starting pitcher for game two but is 6-9 this year (4.62 ERA, 1.43 WHIP).

They have a tendency to stay within reach on offense with a .259 batting average. However, they allow .268 and give teams the opportunity to do better.

They have a decent time at getting on base with a percentage at .319, which is slightly less than the Red Sox. Their ERA could use some improvement, as they average 4.88.

The Nationals have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games against solid teams. They are 25-35 at home and are 63-48 as the underdog for the run line.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook gives you the best opportunity to bet on MLB in Tennessee on this matchup. The following odds show that the Red Sox are slightly favored to win.

Washington Nationals: +153

Run Line: +1.5 (-110)

Boston Red Sox: -172

Run Line: -1.5 (-110)

Totals: Over 9 (-115), Under 9 (-105)

The Red Sox defeated the Nationals 5-4 in game one, as they sprinkled in runs early and often. The game was essentially decided within the first five innings, as both teams did not score again after the fourth inning.

Photo Credit: © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports