In Game 2 of their divisional doubleheader, the Atlanta Braves are set to take on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The matchup will get going at 7:05 p.m. ET and fans can tune in to Mid-Atlantic Sports Network to catch the action.
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals Odds
Oddsmakers are listing Atlanta (+185) as the underdog to Washington (-200). Bettors are able to gamble on the game’s total with odds listed at -120 for over 7.5 runs and even money (+100) for under 7.5. Runline odds stand at -120 for taking the Braves +1.5 runs and +100 for the Nationals -1.5 runs.
The Nationals are 57-53 straight up (SU) and 53-58 against the spread (ATS). The team has lost 17.4 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 7.3 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 56-51 ATS. In total, the team’s gained 16.6 units for moneyline gamblers and 1.6 units ATS. Atlanta’s covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the under has cashed in five of those seven.
Washington games have a 45-64-2 over/under record in 2018. The Braves have an over/under record of 52-51-4.
Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz will get the start for Atlanta. Foltynewicz (8-7, 3.04 ERA) has recorded 138 punchouts in 118.1 innings so far. He’s 2-2 with 27 strikeouts and a 2.52 ERA against Washington this year (four starts).
The Nationals will put the ball in the right hand of Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.33 ERA, 0.91 WHIP), who has 210 strikeouts and 38 walks this season. Scherzer is 2-1 with 24 strikeouts and a 1.80 ERA across three starts against Atlanta this year.
Atlanta’s pitchers have allowed 4.1 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 3.71 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 8.67 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 4.06, along with a WHIP of 1.26 and a K-per-9 of 9.08.
Braves hitters have slashed .259/.326/.421 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game this season, 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 led by right fielder Nick Markakis and first baseman Freddie Freeman, who’ve collectively belted 31 home runs. Markakis is slashing .319/.386/.492 with 13 home runs, 68 RBIs and 62 runs scored, while Freeman (.316/.397/.525) is up to 18 homers, 69 RBIs and 66 runs scored.
In the home-team dugout, Washington’s pitchers have yielded 4.0 runs per game overall this year. Its starting pitching staff has 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 opponents, 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’s hit .349/.438/.623 over its last five games and is 5-0 SU during that span.
Shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon have paced the Nationals’ offense this year. Turner is hitting .269/.342/.416 with 14 home runs, 47 RBIs, 68 runs and 30 stolen bases, and Rendon’s line is .291/.350/.522 with 16 homers, 55 RBIs and 50 runs.
The Braves have gained 14.8 units and are 41-33 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this year. The over has hit in 35 of those games, compared to 35 that’ve hit the under against righty starters.
Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals MLB Tip
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Braves, O/U – OVER
Betting Notes
- The over has cashed in only two of Atlanta’s last seven outings.
- The Braves have won six of their last seven games SU.
- Washington has recorded 27.7 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 outings and 34.0 over its last five.
- The Braves have hit 12 home runs in their last 10 games, including seven over their last five.
