The Atlanta Braves will head north to square off against their divisional rival Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The matchup will get going at 1:05 p.m. ET and fans can tune in to Mid-Atlantic Sports Network to catch the action.
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals Odds
Oddsmakers have listed Washington (-135) as the favorite over Atlanta (+125). Bettors can wager on the game’s total with odds sitting at -110 for over 9 runs and -110 for under 9. Bettors can also wager on the game’s runline with the current odds sitting at Braves +1.5 runs (-170) and Nationals -1.5 runs (+150).
The Nationals are 57-53 straight up (SU) and 54-59 against the spread (ATS). They’ve lost 18.7 units for moneyline bettors and 7.5 units (ATS). Washington has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the total has gone under in five of those seven. The Braves are 60-48 SU and have gone 57-52 ATS. In total, the team’s gained 17.6 units for moneyline bettors and 1.6 units ATS. Atlanta’s covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the total has gone under in four of those seven.
Nationals games have a 46-65-2 over/under record in 2018. Braves games have gone over 53 times, gone under 52 times and pushed on four occasions.
The right-handed Kevin Gausman is projected to start for the visiting Braves. Gausman (5-9, 4.47 ERA) has recorded 106 strikeouts in 129 innings so far. He’s 0-0 with three strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA against Washington this year.
The Nationals are going with righty Jeremy Hellickson (5-2, 3.56 ERA), who has 59 strikeouts and 13 walks, as well as a WHIP of 1.10. Hellickson is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one start against Atlanta this year.
Atlanta’s pitchers have allowed 4.1 runs per game and its starters own a 3.71 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 8.67 K/9. The bullpen has logged an ERA of 4.06, along with a WHIP of 1.26.
The Braves offense has slashed .259/.326/.421 on its way to 4.8 runs scored per game this year, including 5.1 runs per game against divisional foes and 4.4 per game over the team’s last five contests (4-1 SU).
Atlanta’s offensive production has been sparked by right fielder Nick Markakis and first baseman Freddie Freeman, who’ve collectively swatted 31 home runs. Markakis is slashing .319/.386/.492 with 13 home runs, 68 RBIs and 62 runs scored, while Freeman is hitting .316 with 18 homers, 69 RBIs and 66 runs scored.
For the home team, Washington’s pitchers have given up 4.0 runs per game overall this year. The club’s starters have a 3.88 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 3.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 8.6 K/9. In 45 games against NL East foes, Nationals starters have an ERA of 4.42 and the bullpen’s ERA is 4.14.
The Washington offense is putting up 4.6 runs per contest, including 5.4 per game against divisional foes and 9.6 per game over its last five. The team has slashed .349/.438/.623 over its last five matchups and is 5-0 SU during that span.
The Nationals’ batters have been led by shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon. Turner is hitting .269/.342/.416 with 14 home runs, 47 RBIs, 68 runs and 30 stolen bases, and Rendon’s line sits at .291/.350/.522 with 16 homers, 55 RBIs and 50 runs.
The Nationals have lost 3.5 units and are 42-40 ATS when facing a righty starter. The over’s hit in 32 of those games, compared to 49 that’ve gone under.
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals MLB Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Braves, O/U – OVER
