In the second of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (36-41) and the Washington Nationals (36-41) at Turner Field, Matt Wisler (1-1, 3.75 ERA) and Doug Fister (3-3, 4.15 ERA) take the mound. The Nationals won the last game 6-1 and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jul. 1 and will air on MASN and SPSO.
In his last start, Wisler pitched 4.0 innings, giving up four runs (two unearned) in a 7-0 loss to the Nationals. In his career against the Braves, Fister is 4-1 with a 2.18 ERA. He gets a strong Atlanta offense that’s batting .257. Bryce Harper (.340, 53 Rs, 24 HRs, 58 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 2 for 5 yesterday.
Atlanta, a +118 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Washington. The matchup currently has a seven-run Over/Under (O/U). The Braves are 26-34 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +252. They have a 17-19 record SU and are 12-15 as the underdog within their division. Atlanta has averaged 2.1 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.0. Don’t expect the Atlanta hitters to swing wildly. They average an NL-low 6.8 strikeouts per game.
Across the field, the Nationals have a record of 34-23 when they are favored and are +70 overall with the money line. They have played at the top of their game when rated as favorite recently. They managed a 7-1 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 8-2. Washington has an eye for the strike zone, ranking 3.1 in the NL with fifth walks per game. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Washington pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.2 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, good for tops in the NL.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Braves in head-to-head matchups this season, going 9-1. The Braves will take on a right-hander (Fister) in this game and have a 31-34 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Wisler will take the mound against the Nationals, who have a 31-30 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
Atlanta has won 38% (16-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Washington has won 59% (22-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Braves are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Nationals have a 20-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 7-32. The Braves have a 6-27 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 45 this season. Washington ranks ninth with 79 home runs.
Ranking seventh, Atlanta is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.74 per game. Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.82.
Ranking 22nd, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.684). Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .733.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 15-19. When the Braves allow one or more homers, they have a 13-27 record.
