In the final game before the MLB All-Star Game break, the Washington Nationals will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. The Nationals, currently fourth in the NL East with a record of 43-52, will be hoping to build on their recent win and snap their five-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Brewers, leading the NL Central with a 54-41 record, will seek to get back on track after losing two consecutive games and six of their last eight.

Both teams will be missing key players for the matchup. Washington will be without five pitchers and first baseman Joey Gallo, while Milwaukee will be without ten pitchers, as well as position players Gary Sanchez and Oliver Dunn. These absences could have an impact on the outcome of the game.

The Nationals have struggled offensively this season, ranking 19th in batting average (.238) and on-base percentage (.308), and 20th in runs scored (393) and slugging percentage (.368). CJ Abrams leads the team in home runs with 14 and RBI with 46, followed by Jesse Winker with 10 home runs and Luis Garcia Jr with 44 RBI. Washington's batting lineup lacks power, with only 78 home runs in 95 games.

On the pitching side, the Nationals have an ERA of 4.09, ranking 18th in the league. Jake Irvin, who will start on the mound for Washington, leads the team in wins with 7 and has an ERA of 3.13. Despite his solid performance, Irvin has been prone to giving up home runs, allowing at least one home run in five of his last six starts.

In contrast, the Brewers have found success at the plate this season, ranking second in on-base percentage (.331) and fifth in batting average (.254). They have scored the ninth most runs in the league (452). Willy Adames leads the team in both home runs with 14 and RBI with 63, while Rhys Hoskins also has 14 home runs and William Contreras has 54 RBI. Milwaukee has 96 home runs in 95 games.

Milwaukee's pitching staff ranks 11th in ERA (3.79) and will rely on Colin Rea to start on Sunday. Rea leads the team in wins with 8 and has an ERA of 3.81. Although he had a rough outing in his most recent appearance, allowing seven runs in five innings, Rea had shown consistency prior to that game.

Based on their recent performances, the Brewers have the upper hand going into the matchup. They have won 14 of their last 20 home games. Additionally, the Nationals have struggled on the road, losing eight of their last ten away games.

Historical data also favors the Brewers, as the total runs scored in their previous meetings with the Nationals have usually fallen under the closing line. The total has finished under in four of the last five games between the two teams.

Considering these factors, the prediction leans toward the Milwaukee Brewers at -144. Both starting pitchers, Irvin and Rea, have respectable ERAs and the total runs scored in recent games suggest a lower-scoring affair. With the Brewers' stronger offensive lineup and overall performance, they are positioned as the favorites for this matchup.

While the Washington Nationals will hope to turn their fortunes around, the Milwaukee Brewers have the advantage heading into this crucial showdown. Both teams will look to end the first half of the season on a positive note as they head into the MLB All-Star Game break.