In the last of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (37-41) and the Washington Nationals (37-41) at Turner Field, Manny Banuelos (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Max Scherzer (9-5, 1.79 ERA) take the mound. The Braves won the last game 4-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jul. 2 and will air on MASN, SPSO and MLB Network.
This is the first time Banuelos will take the hill this season. Cameron Maybin (.282, 31 Rs, 6 HRs, 36 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. In his pitching opportunities against the Braves, Scherzer is 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA. He meets a solid Atlanta offense that’s batting .256. Bryce Harper (.340, 53 Rs, 24 HRs, 58 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Atlanta is a considerable +200 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Braves are 27-35 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +279. They have an SU record of 18-20 against teams in their division and a 13-16 record when they were the underdog in those games. Atlanta has been struggling as of late. In the last 10 games, Atlanta has only averaged 2.2 runs per game compared to the 4.0 they’ve averaged on the season. Don’t expect the Atlanta hitters to swing wildly. They average an NL-low 6.8 strikeouts per game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Nationals come into this game with a win percentage of .593 when playing as the favorite (35-24) and an overall money line of +33. They have played at the top of their game when rated as favorite recently. They managed an 8-2 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 8-2. The Nationals average 3.1 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Washington pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.1 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.0. They also allow just 2.2 walks per game, best in the NL.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Braves in head-to-head matchups this season, going 9-2. This game will feature Scherzer (RHP) on the mound against the Braves, who have a 32-35 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Banuelos will take the mound against the Nationals. Against lefty starters this season, they’ve racked up an impressive 11-4 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
Atlanta has won 40% (17-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Washington has won 58% (22-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are coming in with a 7-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 7-33. The Braves have a 6-27 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 47 this season. Washington ranks 11th with 79 home runs.
Atlanta and Washington both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at seventh with 8.73 hits per game and Washington ranks sixth with 8.84.
Ranking 23rd, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.684). Washington ranks in the top 10 at 10th with an OPS of .729.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 15-20. When the Braves allow one or more homers, they have a 13-27 record.
