The second game of a three-game set between the Miami Marlins (27-34) and Washington Nationals (31-30) takes place as part of Tuesday’s MLB slate. The Marlins were victorious in Monday night’s series opener behind seven strong innings from Sandy Alcántara and three home runs from Miami’s offense, helping snap a five-game losing streak.
The NL East hasn’t quite played out as many expected this season. Viewed as a powerhouse division with three high-profile teams in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and New York, the Braves are the only club performing as expected. Although the Phillies and Mets remain in the NL Wild Card race, Atlanta has built a sizable lead atop the division as the season heads into the summer months.
The Marlins and Nationals are two of the youngest teams in MLB, and while neither was expected to seriously contend in the NL East this year, both remain in the Wild Card hunt. Miami, led by Otto López, Xavier Edwards, and Liam Hicks, enters Tuesday 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Washington, led by CJ Abrams and James Wood, enters tied with Philadelphia for second place in the NL East and sits just 1.5 games back of a Wild Card position.
Tuesday’s pitching matchup features a pair of innings eaters in very different stages of their careers. Lake Bachar is set to make his first start of 2026 and just the second start of his MLB career for Miami, while veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas gets the ball for Washington. Mikolas is a two-time All-Star and former Cy Young contender, but he has struggled in recent years and enters Tuesday 1-4 with a 6.08 ERA in 12 appearances, including six starts.
Marlins vs. Nationals Current Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Tuesday’s NL East showdown as about as close as it gets, with the Nationals as slight favorites on the moneyline but the Marlins favored on the run line:
- Moneyline: Nationals -115, Marlins -105
- Run Line: Marlins -1.5 (+155), Nationals +1.5 (-185)
- Total (Runs): Over 8.5 (-135), Under 8.5 (+115)
Marlins vs. Nationals Picks & Predictions for June 2
Below is a featured pick from Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook’s Stats Hub for Tuesday’s matchup in Washington:
Marlins vs. Nationals Best Bet: Liam Hicks Over 0.5 RBIs
The Marlins tried something a little different Monday night by using Liam Hicks as their leadoff hitter against the Nationals. Although he has batted leadoff before, Miami has generally used Xavier Edwards in that spot since the beginning of May.
The decision paid off. Hicks went 1-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored, and a solo home run in the ninth inning to give Miami a two-run lead. It was his 12th homer of the season. Not only does Hicks lead the Marlins with 46 RBIs, but he also enters Tuesday with the third-most RBIs in MLB.
Hicks will face Mikolas, who pitched reasonably well in May but has allowed six home runs and 16 RBIs to left-handed hitters this season. Opposing lefties are also batting .286 against him.
- Marlins vs. Nationals Player Prop Pick for June 2: Liam Hicks Over 0.5 RBIs (+175)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for MIA-WSH
Unsurprisingly, the players leading many of the Marlins’ and Nationals’ offensive categories are also among the most popular player prop selections in baseball betting markets:
- James Wood – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Otto López – To Record 1+ Hits
- Xavier Edwards – To Record 1+ Hits
- CJ Abrams – Hits Over 0.5
- James Wood – Hits Over 0.5
Marlins vs. Nationals Betting Splits
Here’s how Tuesday night’s NL East showdown is trending at Hard Rock Bet:
- The Nationals hold a slight edge in moneyline action with 56.84% of bets, but the Marlins are attracting the larger wagers with 58.95% of the handle.
- Washington is drawing the majority of run line action with 74.91% of bets and 71.71% of the handle.
- The Over is the popular play on the total, bringing in 70.14% of bets and 89.93% of the handle.
Marlins vs. Nationals Game Info
- 📍 Where: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- 📅 Date: Tuesday, June 2
- ⏰ First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ⚾ Probable Pitchers:
- Marlins: Lake Bachar
- Nationals: Miles Mikolas
More Ways to Bet
One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. It’s another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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