Jordan Zimmermann (11-8, 3.45 ERA) and Matt Wisler (5-5, 5.22 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (67-65) and the Atlanta Braves (54-79) at Nationals Park. The Braves come into this series hoping to snap an eight-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sep. 3 and can be seen on SPSO and MASN.
Zimmermann pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking one in a 5-1 win over the Marlins. Ryan Zimmerman (.237, 39 Rs, 16 HRs, 67 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs. Wisler went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking four in a 3-1 defeat to the Yankees in his last outing.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a big -256 favorite, takes on Atlanta. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs for this matchup. The Nationals have an overall money line of -1,418 and a record as the favorite of 54-41. Washington has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 27-16 and 29-21 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Nationals have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the NL in offense with 4.3 runs per game. Washington is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.2 per game. Washington’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 3.4 against fellow NL East members, compared to its 4.1 season average. The Nationals are the top team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.1 walks per game so far this season.
As for their opponent, Atlanta is coming in with an overall money line of -1,594 and a disappointing record of 40-65 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-5 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Braves have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 3.6 runs per game by averaging 2.7 during that stretch. The Braves have a dynamic offense, leading the league with 312 extra base hits. Atlanta is excellent at not striking out with an NL-low 6.9 per game. The Braves allow 4.7 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 7.9 runs per game during that span.
The Nationals have controlled the season series, 9-3. The Nationals have a 50-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wisler takes the mound. Zimmermann (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 45-63 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Under
Notes
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington’s last 16 games at home.
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games when playing Atlanta.
Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta.
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta.
The Nationals hold a 29-21 record this season against teams in the NL East Division. The Braves’ record in these matchups is 25-28.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 4-8 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-55. The Nationals have an 11-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 83 this season. Washington ranks eighth with 141 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.41 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.47.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.677). Washington ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .723.
The Braves are 21-57 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 30-40 when they allow at least one homer.
