Braves vs. Nationals Pick
The Atlanta Braves and host Washington Nationals wrap up a three-game series Thursday night at 7:05PM EST.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Nationals are listed as a -177 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Braves are a +152 underdog and the over-under is set at 8.5.
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The pitching matchup for today has Mike Foltynewicz (10-12, 4.74 ERA) going for the Braves, while the Nationals turn to Tanner Roark (12-9, 4.48). Foltynewicz enters with a 1.49 WHIP and 140 strikeouts over 150 innings. He gave up three earned runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and a walk over six innings in a 7-1 home loss to the Marlins his last start. Atlanta has lost his last six starts. Foltynewicz has a 5.40 ERA in 16 road appearances (15 starts). Roark has a 1.32 ERA with 147 strikeouts in 162 2/3 innings. He allowed three earned run on seven hits with six strikeouts and a walk over six innings in a 4-3 home win over the Phillies his last start. Roark holds a 5.03 ERA in 15 home appearances (14 starts).
Atlanta comes in with a 66-78 record and is 33-39 on the road, while Washington is 88-57 and 43-30 at home. The Braves have won six of the last 10 meetings with the total going over six times.
The first two games of the series were taken by the Braves, 8-0 and 8-2. In Wednesday’s game, Matt Kemp led the way with a grand slam plus a walk and two runs scored. Tyler Flowers was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Nick Markakis added two hits. Lane Adams was 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs. Luiz Gohara gave up two runs (one earned) and struck out six over six innings to pick up the win. For the Nationals, Max Scherzer was rocked in the seventh inning and ended up allowing seven earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and six walks over six-plus innings. Trea Turner went 3-for-4 with two runs to pace the Washington offense.
The Nationals shouldn’t be getting swept by the Braves in almost any setting, let alone this convincingly. We’re going to predict Washington rebounds with Roark on the mound. He’s been a reliable starter in the second half of the season. The same can’t be said for Foltynewicz, who has gotten blown up on many occasions.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS -177