The streaking Atlanta Braves will go for their sixth consecutive victory when they play host to the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park. Mid-Atlantic Sports Network will showcase the matchup and the game is scheduled to get underway at 7:35 p.m. ET.
Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves Odds
Vegas has listed Washington (-140) as the favorite over Atlanta (+130). Bettors can wager on the game’s total with odds sitting at -110 for over eight runs and -110 for under eight. The game’s current runline odds sit at +105 for taking the Nationals -1.5 runs and -125 for the Braves +1.5.
The Braves are 82-64 straight up (SU) and 75-70 against the spread (ATS). They’ve gained 20.4 units for moneyline bettors and 1.2 units (ATS). Atlanta has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the total went over in four of those seven. The Nationals have gone 74-73 SU this year and are 68-78 ATS. In total, the team’s lost 22.6 units for moneyline gamblers and 13.4 units ATS. Washington has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the over has hit in five of those seven.
Braves games have an over/under record of 68-71-6 in 2018. Washington has been a decent under bet with a total record of 67-76-3.
Right-hander Max Scherzer is projected to start for Washington. Scherzer is 17-6 with a 2.31 ERA and 271 strikeouts. He’s 2-1 with 30 strikeouts and a 1.67 ERA against Atlanta this year (four starts).
The Braves are turning to righty Kevin Gausman (9-10, 3.89 ERA), who has 134 strikeouts and 43 walks to his credit as well as a WHIP of 1.29. Gausman is 0-0 with three strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA in one start against Washington this year.
Atlanta’s pitchers have allowed 4.0 runs per game overall this season as a unit. Its starters have an ERA of 3.47, a WHIP of 1.22 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 8.6. The bullpen has a 4.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 9.0 K/9. In 63 games against NL East opponents, Braves starters have an ERA of 2.97 and the bullpen’s ERA is 2.85.
Atlanta’s hitters are putting up 4.7 runs per contest, including 5.1 per game against divisional foes and 4.8 per game over their last five. The team has slashed .269/.352/.485 over its last five matchups and is 5-0 SU during that stretch.
Right fielder Nick Markakis and first baseman Freddie Freeman have led the Braves’ batters this year. Markakis is slashing .306/.371/.457 with 14 home runs, 88 RBIs and 75 runs scored, and Freeman is batting .307 with 21 homers, 85 RBIs and 89 runs.
In the visiting dugout, Washington’s pitchers have allowed 4.2 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 4.03 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.91 K/9. The bullpen has logged an ERA of 3.90, along with a WHIP of 1.24.
The Nationals offense has slashed .252/.332/.415 on its way to 4.7 runs scored per game in 2018, including 5.3 runs per game against divisional foes and 4.8 per game over the team’s last five outings (4-1 SU).
Shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon have led Washington’s hitters. The speedy Turner is slashing .267/.337/.405 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, 90 runs and 38 steals, while Rendon is hitting .295/.359/.503 with 19 homers, 71 RBIs and 77 runs scored.
The Nationals have lost 6.5 units and are 52-55 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this season. The over has cashed in 48 of those games, compared to 57 that’ve hit the under in such games. On the other hand, the Braves have netted 21.6 units and are 57-45 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over’s hit in 46 of those games, compared to 51 that’ve gone under.
Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves MLB Tip
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Nationals, O/U – OVER
