The Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals conclude their interleague series this Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Nationals Park. With both teams hovering near the .500 mark early in the season, this rubber match presents a significant opportunity for one club to find its footing. The pitching matchup features two right-handers looking to stabilize their seasons after shaky starts in April.

The Pitching Matchup: Woods Richardson vs. Irvin

The Twins give the ball to Simeon Woods Richardson, who has found the 2026 campaign to be a uphill battle thus far. Entering this start with a disappointing 0-5 record and a 6.49 ERA, the 25-year-old has struggled primarily with efficiency and high-leverage situations. Across 34.2 innings, he has surrendered 45 hits, leading to a bloated 1.76 WHIP. His last few outings have been particularly taxing; he failed to complete five innings in his last two starts against Toronto and Tampa Bay, allowing a combined eight earned runs. For Minnesota to have a chance, Woods Richardson must lean on his changeup to keep a young Nationals lineup off-balance and avoid the early-inning collapses that have plagued his season.

Washington counters with Jake Irvin, who has been slightly more reliable but still inconsistent. Irvin carries a 1-4 record with a 4.93 ERA into Thursday’s contest. While his ERA is high, his peripherals suggest some bad luck; he has struck out 39 batters in roughly 36 innings, showing a much higher ceiling for missing bats than his counterpart. In his most recent appearance against Milwaukee, Irvin went five innings, allowing three runs while flashing a mid-90s fastball that generated several swings-and-misses. If Irvin can cut down on the four walks he surrendered in that last outing, he has the edge in this matchup.

Best Bets for May 7, 2026

1. Moneyline: Washington Nationals

Despite the similar records, the Nationals represent the better value at home. The Twins have struggled to provide run support for Woods Richardson, and their bullpen has been overworked due to his short outings. Irvin has shown a greater ability to pitch out of trouble, and the Nationals’ offense—led by a surging CJ Abrams—is well-equipped to exploit a pitcher with a 1.76 WHIP. Expect Washington to take advantage of the early-season jitters from the Twins’ starter.

2. Total: Over 9.0 Runs

Both pitchers have struggled to keep the ball in the park and limit baserunners this season. The Twins’ lineup features established power hitters like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, who can capitalize on Irvin’s occasional command lapses. Conversely, Woods Richardson’s 6.49 ERA makes an “Over” bet look like the most logical play. Given the susceptibility of both rotations, a high-scoring affair in D.C. is likely.

3. Player Prop: CJ Abrams to Record 2+ Total Bases

Abrams has been the engine of the Washington offense in 2026. Facing a right-hander in Woods Richardson who allows a high batting average to left-handed hitters, Abrams is a prime candidate for an extra-base hit. His speed also makes him a threat to turn a routine single into a double, making the “Total Bases” prop a strong addition to any Thursday parlay.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET. With two struggling starters on the mound, bettors should expect plenty of traffic on the bases from the very first inning.