Even in the early stages of the MLB season, you tend to get a sense of how a division race might go. It often becomes very clear that one team is going to dominate the division, much like what is happening in the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins, but there are also those where a 2- or 3-horse race seems to be the most likely scenario. Prior to the start of the season, the feeling was that the NL East might be one that fell into the latter category, which is certainly how things are playing out at the moment.
The Philadelphia Phillies have the lead, but it looks as though they and the Atlanta Braves are going to be battling it out all the way to the finish. The Braves will be continuing their series with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night after going down in the opening game in the series. Given how tight things are in that division, this is not a series that the Braves can really afford to drop. At time of writing, there are no odds on the board for this one, although you would feel that Atlanta would be the favorites.
Nationals vs Braves MLB Betting Lines & Game Analysis
- When: Wednesday, May 29 at 7:20 PM EST
- Where: SunTrust Park, Atlanta
- TV: FSSE
- Radio: Washington / Atlanta
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- Starting Pitchers: Sanchez Vs Gausman
- MLB Odds: Braves -1.5 (+125)
Why bet on the Washington Nationals?
At 23-32 on the season and 9 ½ games out of the lead, it is probably fair to suggest that the Nationals are not going to be pushing for a division crown or a Wild Card spot this season. They have been unable to replace the numbers that Bryce Harper delivered before he bolted to Philadelphia, although the reality is that it is pitching that has been their biggest issue this season. That’s a bit of a surprise when you consider that they have had one of the best pitching rotations in the league over the past few seasons.
With their win on Tuesday, the Nationals are now 4-6 in their last 10 games, although just 10-17 overall on the road. They are also 12-15 ATS on the road. Anibal Sanchez (0-6, 5.10) will make his first start after returning from injury.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Runs: 4.58
- Hits: 8.40
- Walks: 3.31
- Strike Outs: 9.18
- Runs: 5.13
- Hits: 8.67
- Walks: 3.44
- Strike Outs: 9.62
Why bet on the Atlanta Braves?
The Braves were the winners of the NL East last season, and while they are still very much in the hunt too repeat, they have been having a tough time putting together a consistent run of form. This is a series that you would very much expect them to win, yet they come into the opening game and drop a 5-4 loss in their own ballpark. Overall, the Braves are 30-25 SU, which has them sitting 2 ½ games back of the Phillies at the top of the division.
It has been a bit up and down for them at home, where they are just 14-13, which really isn’t god enough for a team with designs on winning a division. Things are even worse against the spread, with the Braves at 12-15 ATS at home. Kevin Gausman (2-3, 4.33 ERA) will start for the home team.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Runs: 4.87
- Hits: 8.89
- Walks: 3.71
- Strike Outs: 8.47
- Runs: 4.58
- Hits: 8.07
- Walks: 3.95
- Strike Outs: 8.64
Nationals vs Braves MLB Betting Trends
- Nationals are 4-1 SU in the last 5 games
- The total went OVER in 7 of Washington’s last 9 games played on a Wednesday
- Braves are 12-5 SU in the last 17 games
- The total went UNDER in 7 of Atlanta’s last 10 games
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I will be looking for the Braves to jump on Sanchez early as he looks to work out the kinks in his return to the mound. If they can get that quick start, this could be a big win for Atlanta.
Washington Nationals 3 Atlanta Braves 7
