The Nationals have won five straight over the A's but the A's won four of the last five and Jake Irvin has lost four straight. The reason I like the A's today is because of Paul Blackburn the one star of the A's. He's won both starts this season for the A's beating the Cleveland Indians and beating the Tigers in his last start, both outings he allowed three hits and no runs. I used the A's to win.

Blackburn has gone at least six innings in both starts this year and still hasn't allowed an earned run in 2024 including spring training. I definitely thought about under 1.5 ER allowed but he could give up two yet still go his six innings to get a quality start. Blackburn doesn't walk many guys so his pitch count shouldn't be crazy. Incidentally, the A's are favored for the first time this season. I'm not backing them, though.