Houston Astros vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, July 8, 2026

The Houston Astros travel to face the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Nationals Park in Washington, District of Columbia. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET, with coverage available on MLB.TV. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks for more game predictions.

Starting Pitchers Prepare for Wednesday’s Matchup

Spencer Arrighetti is scheduled to start for Houston. He enters the game with a 7-4 record, a 3.81 ERA, and a 1.23 WHIP across 78.0 innings. Arrighetti has allowed 58 hits while striking out 79 batters, issuing 38 walks, and surrendering 10 home runs. Washington is expected to counter with Foster Griffin, who has been outstanding this season with a 9-2 record, a 2.87 ERA, and a 1.04 WHIP over 103.1 innings. Griffin has allowed 81 hits, struck out 100 batters, walked 26, and given up 17 home runs.

Houston Tries to Bounce Back

Houston enters Wednesday’s contest with a 45-48 overall record and a 22-24 road record. The Astros have gone 2-3 over their last five games. They recently lost to Washington 12-11 after picking up consecutive victories over Tampa Bay by scores of 2-0 and 10-8. Before those wins, Houston recently lost to Tampa Bay 3-1 and Minnesota 8-3. The Astros have shown they can score, but the recent results have been inconsistent.

Houston is batting .242 as a team while scoring 424 runs on 757 hits. The Astros have hit 125 home runs with a .316 on-base percentage and a .413 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff owns a 4.76 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .241. Houston has also recorded 804 strikeouts while issuing 400 walks.

Houston’s greatest strength has been its power. The Astros have totaled 125 home runs, which is one of the strongest figures in this matchup. The challenge has been preventing runs, as their 4.76 ERA and 1.39 WHIP have made it difficult to consistently protect leads.

Washington Looks to Stay Hot

Washington comes into this matchup with a 47-45 overall record and a 19-27 home record. The Nationals have gone 3-2 over their last five games. They recently defeated Houston 12-11 after splitting a series with Pittsburgh, earning victories by scores of 9-5 and 10-2 while dropping games 11-5 and 7-1. Washington has generated plenty of offense during that stretch.

The Nationals are batting .250 while scoring 497 runs on 789 hits. They have collected 128 home runs with a .324 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging percentage. On the mound, Washington owns a 4.79 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .259. The pitching staff has also accumulated 726 strikeouts while issuing 323 walks.

The biggest strength for Washington is its offense. The Nationals lead this matchup in batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Those offensive numbers have helped Washington consistently put pressure on opposing pitching staffs, including the 12-run performance in the most recent meeting between these clubs.

Houston Astros vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction

Houston Astros vs Washington Nationals Pick

• Pick: Washington Nationals Moneyline

I’m backing Washington on the moneyline. The Nationals hold the edge in the matchup predictor at 62.8% and recently defeated Houston 12-11. They also own stronger offensive numbers across nearly every major category, including runs, hits, batting average, home runs, and slugging percentage. Combined with the stronger numbers from the projected starting pitcher, Washington is my preferred side.

Houston Astros vs Washington Nationals Total Pick

• Pick: Over 8.5

I’m taking the over 8.5. These teams combined for 23 runs in their most recent meeting, and both offenses have produced impressive season totals. Washington has scored 497 runs with 128 home runs, while Houston has added 424 runs and 125 home runs. With both clubs showing plenty of offensive production, I expect another game that finishes above the total.

Final Score Prediction: Washington Nationals 7 – Houston Astros 5

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Tuesday.