I want to fade Edwin Jackson in the worst way while getting behind Max Scherzer. Of course the whole world wants to do this, too. So this is a way to get the matchup - laying 1 1/2 runs - without having to risk 3/1 odds.

The Nationals have lost back-to-back home games with Stephen Strasburg and Tanner Roark. I don't see them dropping a third consecutive game with their third of three aces.

Jackson is in my top five National League worst starter list even though he nearly threw a no-hitter during his last start. The Marlins cut Jackson this season after he had nearly a 6.00 ERA in eight games with them. The Padres are his 11th team. He has a 4.58 lifetime ERA and 1.45 WHIP.

Scherzer is one of the five best starters in the National League and he's in typical great form with a 5-2 mark and 1.61 ERA in his last nine starts. He's struck out 81 during this time frame spanning 61 1/3 innings.

The Nationals have won by more than one run in 11 of their last 13 victories.