Detroit Tigers vs Washington Nationals Game 1 Prediction – 7/2/2025

The Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals open the first game of their doubleheader at Nationals Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1:05 p.m. ET. Detroit brings its American League–best 53-32 record into this makeup game, while Washington sits at 35-49. The Tigers have dominated the betting markets as favorites, but the Nationals will counter with some momentum of their own. Let’s break down this matchup and make our Tigers vs Nationals Game 1 prediction.

Our Tigers vs Nationals Game 1 Pick

  • Pick: Detroit Tigers Moneyline (-164)
  • Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 stars)
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Game Snapshot

  • Matchup: Detroit Tigers vs Washington Nationals
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 1:05 p.m. ET
  • Starting Pitchers: Tigers – Tyler Holton (3-3, 4.34 ERA), Nationals – Trevor Williams (3‑9, 5.65 ERA)
  • Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
  • Broadcast: MASN2, FDSDET

Key Storylines

Pitching Form

The Tigers will give the ball to Tyler Holton to start this game. He is 3-3 on the year with a 4.34 ERA and he will be an important figure for the Tigers as he looks to eat up innings to preserve their bullpen for Game 2. On the other side, Trevor Williams has pitched poorly with a 5.65 ERA and surrendered four earned runs in his last outing.

Bullpen Usage

Detroit features a strong bullpen with a 3.71 ERA, ranking 13th in MLB, while Washington’s relief corps is among the worst with a 5.84 ERA. This disparity should favor the Tigers in late-inning situations, especially on a doubleheader day where the teams have two games to pitch through.

Recent Team Streaks

The Tigers have won two games in a row, including a 3-0 shutout against the Twins in their last game, thanks to the latest of Tarik Skubal’s dominant performances. Washington, meanwhile, took two of their last three over the Angels but remains inconsistent at home and under .500 overall.

  • Last 5 games: Tigers are 3-2 in their last five, the Nationals are 2-3.
  • Day/Night split: Tigers are strong in afternoon starts, Washington has been inconsistent during daytime games.

Tigers vs Nationals Game 1 Model Projection

  • Score Projection: Detroit 6 – Washington 4
  • Win Probability: Detroit 63% • Washington 37%

Final Thoughts

This afternoon’s opener in Washington features contrasting strengths: Detroit’s dependable bullpen and high-powered offense against a vulnerable Nationals relief corps and inconsistent starters. Holton’s strikeout potential and the run support he receives make the Tigers a sound betting choice on the moneyline, while the over feels reasonable with both teams showing offensive life in recent outings. Public percentages heavily favor Detroit, and my projection model backs that up with a 63% win probability. Look for the Tigers to control this one early and close it out late.

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Home MLB Picks Detroit Tigers vs Washington Nationals Game 1 Prediction – 7/2/2025