Max Scherzer (1-2, 1.26 ERA) starts for the Washington Nationals (7-13) as they square off against Julio Teheran (2-1, 4.64 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (10-9) in the second of a three-game series at Turner Field. The Nationals lost the last game 8-4, continuing a six-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Apr. 28 and can be seen on MASN and SPSO.
Teheran is 3-2 with a 3.06 ERA in his appearances against the Nationals, and goes up against a below-average Washington offense which is batting just .215 this season. Freddie Freeman (.254, 11 Rs, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 3. When pitching against the Braves, Scherzer is 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts. Michael Taylor (.271, 3 Rs, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
The odds for Atlanta and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Atlanta has a record of 7-8 SU. The Braves have seen a decline in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 3.4 runs per game. They average 3.8 runs per game on the season. Atlanta strikes out the least of any team in the NL, with only 6.5 per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Atlanta. The Braves are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 3.8 runs per game. The Braves are the second-best team in the NL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 7.5 hits per game so far this season.
The Nationals are 5-8 against NL East opponents. Offensively, the Nationals have really sputtered in division games. They have decreased their season average of 3.4 runs per game by averaging 2.8 in those contests. The Nationals average 4.3 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the NL East is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 3.6 against division foes. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Nationals have the fourth-fewest in the NL with an average of just 2.6 walks allowed per game.
The Braves have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Braves have a 7-8 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Scherzer takes the mound. Teheran (RHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 5-11 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ATL
Notes
Atlanta recorded at least two errors for the third time this season.
When the Nationals play into extra innings, they have a 2-1 record. The Braves are 0-1 when their games exceed nine innings.
After a weak showing last week where they got in five hits, the Nationals need to step it up. The Braves have a record of 4-0 when opponents get five hits or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 8-3. The Nationals have a 5-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd in runs, Washington has earned 69 this season. Atlanta ranks 15th with 77 runs.
Ranking 13th, Atlanta is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 61 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 65.
When the Braves hit at least one home run, the team is 6-6. Washington has the same record when it hits one or more homers.
