The Atlanta Braves (55-37) continue their series against the Washington Nationals (30-62) Saturday with the 3rd game of a 4-game set at Nationals Park. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Braves vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Atlanta leads 9-2.
Atlanta has won 6 of its last 8 games, including 5 contests against the Nats over the last 8 days. They’ve pulled within 2 games of the NL East-leading New York Mets after going 20-10 over their last 30 contests. Atlanta has really taken care of business within the division with a 21-13 record.
The Nationals have lost 9 games in a row and you have to wonder if manager Dave Martinez’s seat is heating up. They’re just 7-23 over their last 30 games. OF Juan Soto, a .292 career hitter, is having a down season with a .247 average, 19 homers and 42 RBI. It’s no coincidence he’s on pace for 140 walks with little protection around him in the lineup.
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Braves at Nationals projected starters
LHP Max Fried vs. RHP Paolo Espino
Fried (9-3, 2.56 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.07 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 112 1/3 IP.
- Has struggled with a 4.90 ERA in 2 starts against the Nationals this season
- Is a road warrior with a 2.27 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in 6 road starts vs. a 2.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 12 home starts.
- Current Nats are hitting .252 in 183 plate appearances off him.
Espino (0-2, 3.42 ERA) makes his 7th start and 27th appearance. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 52 2/3 IP.
- Has a 6.43 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 2 appearances (1 start) against the Braves this season
- A little better at home with a 3.28 ERA vs. a 3.54 ERA on the road.
Braves at Nationals odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Braves -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Nationals +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -2.5 (+102) | Nationals +2.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Braves at Nationals picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 4, Nationals 3
Money line
Atlanta is too expensive on the ML, but they are just in range for the first half. Fried’s struggles against Washington this year are a little worrisome, especially in the second-to-last game before the All-Star break. So stick to a HALF UNIT on the BRAVES FIRST 5 INNINGS (-155).
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Run line/Against the spread
The Nats really haven’t been blown out that often despite how often they lose. Four of their last 9 losses have been by 1 run. They’re 8-15 in 1-run games. As mentioned, Fried has struggled against Washington, so NATIONALS +2.5 (-125) is a solid wager at home.
Over/Under
The Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between these sides in Washington. However, the Under has cashed in the last 4 for Washington against a left-handed pitcher. The Under has cashed in Fried’s last 5 starts with a total between 7 and 8.5. The Braves, for as good of an offense as they are, are 2-8 O/U the last 10 games. This feels like an UNDER 8.5 (+105).
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