Baltimore Orioles vs Washington Nationals Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 05/16/26

The Washington Nationals managed to hold on late Friday night, escaping with a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles after surviving a tense top of the ninth inning. Washington will now look to secure the series win on Saturday behind Cade Cavalli, who enters with a 1-2 record, 4.02 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts across 40.1 innings pitched. For the Orioles, Chris Bassitt will get the nod, entering at 3-2 with a 5.21 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. 

Offensively, the Nationals hold the edge in this matchup as they’ve been the better hitting team all season, but looking at their most recent performance, the Nats are averaging 5.9 runs per game and hitting .250 in their last 10 games, compared to the Orioles who are hitting 4.0 runs per game and batting .217. Despite holding the edge at the plate, the Nationals bullpen holds one of the worst bullpen ERAs in the league (4.80) compared to the Orioles who hold a 4.07. Neither starter has been solid this season, but I trust Cavalli more at home in this matchup. On the season, Cavalli is 0-1 with a 3.57 ERA at home this year, and Bassitt has struggled on the road, going 1-1 with a 8.27 ERA. Look for the Nats to get the job done and pick up another win against the Orioles.

Orioles vs Nationals prediction: Nationals ML (-110) at the time of publishing. Playable up to -120