In the second of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (67-47) and the Atlanta Braves (44-72) at Nationals Park, Reynaldo Lopez (0-1, 9.35 ERA) and Rob Whalen (1-0, 5.73 ERA) get the start. The Braves won the last game 8-5, and Atlanta leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 13 and will air on MASN and FSSO.
In his last start, Lopez pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking five in a 5-3 loss to the Giants. Daniel Murphy (.348, 69 Rs, 21 HRs, 82 RBIs, 3 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs. The Braves were victorious the last time Whalen pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 4-3 victory over the Brewers. Freddie Freeman (.284, 65 Rs, 22 HRs, 53 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Braves, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs.
Washington is a -175 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at nine runs. The Nationals are in an interesting position this season. While they have a notable winning record in games where they’re the favorite (57-32), their overall money line (-55) is less impressive. They have performed well against their division to earn a SU record of 30-15 and a 25-11 record when they were the favorite. The Nationals have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.7 runs per game. The Nationals rank fifth in the majors in home runs with 150. 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 1.162.
Across the field, the Braves have a subpar record of 41-62 when they are the underdog and are -412 overall with the money line. Against divisional foes, they are 20-25 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 20-21 record. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.2 runs per game, above their 3.6 season average. Atlanta’s pitching staff tends to perform well when they play division rivals. They’ve allowed an average of 3.9 runs per game against teams from the NL East, lower than their season average of 4.7.
The Nationals had the upper hand against the Braves in their previous seven games this season, earning a 6-1 record. The Nationals will take on a right-hander (Whalen) in this game and have a 51-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Braves will be the right-hander Lopez. They sport a 32-45 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
Atlanta has won 37% (15-26) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 61% (28-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 23-8 when opponents’ pitchers have five strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 32-18. The Nationals have a 51-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 415 this season. Washington ranks ninth with 535 runs.
Ranking 19th, Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 335 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 395.
The Nationals are 53-26 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 25-27 when they hit at least one homer.
