Another reason why everyone should be backing on the Yankees this time is that CC Sabathia will be on the mound for the opener in this inter league series against the worst club in the majors. The Nationals have only won 15 games all season and are on course in surpassing the worst ever percentage recorded by a team. Sabathia was charged with a hard loss in his last outing. He had allowed only one earned run in seven innings before things turned pear shaped whereby he allowed 3 more earned runs to lose the game. He will be more than determined to shut out the slumping Nationals tonight.

Sabathia had a shutout against the Nationals last eyar, when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although Washington have their ace pitcher Martis for this difficult game, he has struggled against the better teams this season; closest game was losing to the Phillies by allowing seven earned runs in that game. All in all, the Yankees win be gunning for victory today after a much needed break which they have played 16 demanding games consecutively.

Pick: NY Yankees win by 5 runs @8.50