Stephen Strasburg (15-2, 2.80 ERA) gets the start for the Washington Nationals (67-46) as they go up against Mike Foltynewicz (5-5, 4.37 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (43-72) in the first of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 12 and will air on MASN and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Strasburg pitched 4.2 innings, giving up four runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 7-1 loss to the Giants. Daniel Murphy (.346, 67 Rs, 21 HRs, 82 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with one run and one RBI. The Braves were victorious the last time Foltynewicz pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking two in a 6-3 victory over the Cardinals. Freddie Freeman (.281, 63 Rs, 21 HRs, 49 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Washington is a heavy -280 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is set at seven runs. The Nationals have a winning record of 57-31 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +185. They have impressive records of 25-10 as the favorite and 30-14 SU within their division. The Nationals are a power hitting team with 149 home runs, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking fourth in the NL with an average of 3.5 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Washington pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 3.5 runs per game. The Nationals are third in the league in WHIP at 1.158.
Across the field, the Braves have a subpar record of 40-62 when they are the underdog and are -632 overall with the money line. Against divisional rivals, they are 19-25 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 19-21 record. Atlanta has been playing better lately, averaging 4.7 runs per game, more than their season average of 3.5. Playing against NL East foes really brings the best out of the Atlanta pitchers. They allow 3.8 runs per game against teams within their division, which is lower than their season average of 4.7.
The Nationals had their way with the Braves in their previous six games this season, winning them allThis game will feature Foltynewicz (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 51-35 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Braves will be the right-hander Strasburg. They sport a 31-45 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Under
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Washington is 28-18, while Atlanta is 15-26.
The Braves managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 25-10 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 32-18. The Nationals have a 51-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta sits at the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 407 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 with 530.
Ranking 19th, Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 330 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 392.
The Nationals are 53-25 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 24-27 when they hit at least one homer.
