Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Julio Teheran (3-9, 2.81 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (44-77) meet Tanner Roark (13-6, 2.81 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (71-49) in the second of a four-game series at Turner Field. The Braves lost the last game 8-2, extending a five-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:35 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 19 and will air on MASN and FSSO.
In his last start, Teheran pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking one in a 9-5 loss to the Phillies. Matt Kemp (.259, 61 Rs, 24 HRs, 77 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. The Nationals were victorious the last time Roark pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out three and walking two in a 9-1 victory over the Braves. Bryce Harper (.242, 65 Rs, 21 HRs, 62 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs.
Atlanta is a +130 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Braves perform poorly as an underdog with a 41-65 record and have an overall money line of -824. They have disappointing records of 20-23 as the underdog and 20-27 SU within their division. Whenever an NL East opponent shows up on the calendar, the Braves pitch better. They allow an average of 4.8 runs per game, but allow just 4.0 against teams from their own division.
Switching to the opposing dugout, the Nationals come into this game in an interesting position. They have a negative money line (-43) but have won more than 60 percent of games played as the favorite (60-34). Against teams in their division, they are 32-15 SU and have played well as the favorite with a 27-11 record. The Nationals rank fourth in the NL in scoring, averaging 4.8 runs per game. The Nationals average 3.5 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. Washington’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking second in the NL with only 3.6 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.173 on the year, good for third in the league.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Braves in head-to-head matchups this season, going 9-1. This game will feature Roark (RHP) on the mound against the Braves, who have a 32-49 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Teheran will take the mound against the Nationals, who have a 53-38 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Under
Notes
Atlanta recorded at least two errors for the 23rd time this season.
The Braves managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are coming in with a 6-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 7-52. The Nationals have a 13-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 81 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 159.
Atlanta and Washington both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at 10th with 8.32 hits per game and Washington ranks eighth with 8.62.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.673). Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .762.
The Nationals are 40-38 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Braves are 19-59 when they allow at least one homer.
