In the last of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (70-65) and the Atlanta Braves (54-82) at Nationals Park, Joe Ross (5-5, 3.50 ERA) and Manny Banuelos (1-3, 3.33 ERA) get the start. The Braves lost the last game 8-2, extending an 11-game losing streak. Washington can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. The game gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sep. 6 and will air on FSSO and MASN.
In his last start, Ross pitched 2.2 innings, giving up three runs, striking out three and walking six in an 8-5 loss to the Cardinals. Bryce Harper (.337, 100 Rs, 33 HRs, 82 RBIs, 6 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. The Braves were unsuccessful to the Marlins 7-1 the last time Banuelos pitched. He went 2.2 innings, allowing three runs and walking one. Freddie Freeman (.285, 53 Rs, 15 HRs, 50 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run.
Washington is a heavy -245 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Nationals are 56-41 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,218. They have impressive records of 29-16 as the favorite and 31-21 SU within their division. The Nationals have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.4 runs per game. The Nationals typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 3.3 walks per game. Washington’s pitchers are doing better against opposing batters during divisional games, only allowing an average of 3.3 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.0. The Nationals are the best in the NL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.2 per game.
Across the field, the Braves have a subpar record of 40-67 when they are the underdog and are -1,794 overall with the money line. Over the last 10 games, they were winless both as the underdog with a 0-6 record and 0-10 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 2.2 runs per game, below their 3.6 season average. Atlanta is one of the top hitting teams in the league with 316 extra base hits. The Braves average just 6.9 strikeouts per game, good for least in the NL. Atlanta’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 8.7 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.8.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Braves in head-to-head matchups this season, going 12-3. The Nationals will take on a left-hander (Banuelos) in this game and have a 17-15 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Braves will be the right-hander Ross. They sport a 45-65 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Under
Notes
Atlanta has won 35% (23-43) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Washington has won 54% (34-29) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in five hits, the Braves need to step it up. The Nationals have a record of 18-4 when opponents get five hits or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-58. The Nationals have an 11-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 83 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 145.
Ranking 11th, Atlanta is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.43 per game. Washington ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.50.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.673). Washington ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .731.
The Braves are 21-60 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 30-40 when they allow at least one homer.
