Stephen's Tuesday Free Play

Pirates (Karstens) at Nationals (Martis) OVER 10

Analysis: Stephen Strasburg can't come to the Washington Nationals soon enough.

The Nationals have the worst record in baseball. And it's not because of their hitting.

Washington has scored at least five runs in 11 of its last 12 games. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn are on pace to each drive in 130 runs. Christian Guzman is leading the NL in batting.

Washington's problem is a double whammy. The Nationals have the worst defense in baseball and the worst bullpen. That's why the team could set a National League record for most runs given up in a season.

I had an easy winner last night with the Pirates-Nationals over the total. There's no reason not to come right back with another over on these two teams. The over has cashed in eight of Washington's past nine games.

Washington's bullpen not only is horrendous, but now there are fatigue issues after last night's battering. The Nationals not only lack a legitimate closer, but a bridge to even get to the ninth. Expect more wholesale bullpen changes from Washington in the next couple of days.

Shairon Martis gets the start for Washington. He may be the Nationals best starter. But he's a rookie with command issues.

The Pirates are swinging their hottest bats. They are averaging .319 in their last eight games.

The total is the way to go rather than the underdog Pirates because Jeff Karstens is on the hill for them. I don't think he's even good enough to be a fifth-starter, which he currently is right now. Karstens has a 5.06 ERA. Pittsburgh's bullpen also carries a fatigue rating.