Max Scherzer (12-7, 2.95 ERA), seeking his 200th strikeout of the season, gets the ball for the Washington Nationals (72-49) as they go up against Tyrell Jenkins (2-3, 4.89 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (44-78) in the third of a four-game series at Turner Field. The Braves lost the last game 7-6, extending a six-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and will air on MASN and FSSO.
In his last start, Jenkins pitched 4.2 innings, giving up seven runs, striking out one and walking three in a 9-1 loss to the Nationals. Freddie Freeman (.288, 69 Rs, 24 HRs, 58 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with two RBIs. The Nationals were victorious over the Rockies 5-4 the last time Scherzer pitched. He went 4.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking two. Bryce Harper (.241, 65 Rs, 21 HRs, 64 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
Atlanta is a heavy +219 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Braves have a losing record of 41-66 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -924. They have not performed well against their division, earning a SU record of 20-28 and a 20-24 record when they were the underdog. Atlanta’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 6.2 during that span, compared to its 4.8 season average.
On the other side, the Nationals have a nice record of 61-34 when they are favored and are +57 overall with the money line. Against teams in their division, they are 33-15 SU and have played well as the favorite with a 28-11 record. The Nationals rank fourth in the NL in scoring, averaging 4.8 runs per game. Washington has an eye for the strike zone, ranking fourth in the NL with 3.5 walks per game. 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 had the upper hand against the Braves in their previous 11 games this season, earning a 10-1 record. This game will feature Scherzer (RHP) on the mound against the Braves, who have a 32-50 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Nationals will be the right-hander Jenkins. They sport a 54-38 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Under
Notes
In their last game, the Nationals won by a margin of one run. The Braves are 14-19 in one-run games. The Nationals have a 19-13 record in close games.
Atlanta has won 34% (15-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 61% (31-20) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Nationals managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Braves who are heading in with a 16-21 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 7-53. The Nationals have a 13-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 83 this season. Washington ranks sixth with 159 home runs.
Atlanta and Washington both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at 10th with 8.31 hits per game and Washington ranks eighth with 8.60.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.674). Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .762.
The Nationals are 41-38 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Braves are 19-59 when they allow at least one homer.
