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The Washington Nationals (58-70) and Atlanta Braves (68-59) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Truist Park is set for 7:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Nationals vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Nationals lead 6-2
The Nationals hit the road after taking 2 of 3 from Colorado at Nationals Park, inclduing an 8-3 win Thursday. LHP Patrick Corbin picked up his 1st win since July 19, holding the Rockies to 1 run in 6 innings and striking out 8. DH Juan Yepez put the game out of reach with a 3-run blast in the 8th inning. The Nats are 28-37 on the road and 71-57 against the spread (ATS).
It seems the Braves have righted the ship after a terrible slump after the All-Star break having won 4 of their last 5 games. Atlanta has held opponents to 2 runs per game over this run. They began this 6-game homestand by taking 2 of 3 from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves are 34-27 at home and 56-71 ATS.
Nationals at Braves projected starters
LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. LHP Chris Sale
Gore (7-11, 4.66 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.58 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 125 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 5 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 5-1 loss to the Phillies Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 2-6, 5.06 ERA (62 IP, 32 R (30 ER), 1.43 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 10 starts
- 2024 vs Braves: 2-0, 1.74 ERA (10 1/3 IP, 2 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 15.1 K/9 in 2 starts
Sale (14-3, 2.62 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.00 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 12.0 K/9 in 140 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 11-3 victory at the Los Angeles Angels Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 8-0, 2.80 ERA (62 IP, 20 R (19 ER), 0.98 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 in 10 starts
- Last start vs Nationals: Loss, 7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 10 K in 2-1 road loss on June 7
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Nationals at Braves odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:47 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nationals +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Braves -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Nationals +1.5 (+106) | Braves -1.5 (-128)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Nationals at Braves picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 3, Nationals 1
Moneyline
PASS.
I’m on the Braves (-270) to take the opener of this series, but not at those odds. I’ll take my wager to the run line.
BET BRAVES -1.5 (-128).
Sale has not lost at Truist Park this season. He has not lost any start since June 27 and that streak will continue on Friday night as he gets his 1st career victory against the Nationals. The Braves are 23-13 against lefties and hit over .250 them as a team.
As good as Gore has been this season for Washington, he struggles to go deep into games. The bullpen has cost him on multiple occasions.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 7.5 (-112).
I spoke earlier about how good the Braves pitching has been. They are 8-2 against the Under in their last 10 games. The Nationals have been Under in 4 of their last 6 games.
Sales has not allowed more than 2 ER in his last 12 starts. The only question is how many runs Gore allows, but he’s allowed just 2 ER in his 2 starts against the Braves this season.
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