In this article, we will formulate a Braves vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Monday, May 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals (17-24, 7-12 Away) are going through their worst period of the season after losing the previous five games. Following a series loss to the Guardians, the Cardinals swept the Nationals in three games. In Game 3, a 6-1 defeat, Mackenzie Gore took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in 6.2 innings.
This year, the Nationals average 4.17 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .239/.309/.379 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Nationals’ staff has a 5.45 ERA (28th) and 1.45 WHIP (26th). Nathaniel Lowe leads the Nationals with a .242 batting average, seven home runs, and 29 RBI this season.
Jake Irvin will take the mound for the Nationals on Monday. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 2-1 record in eight starts this year with a 3.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 48.0 innings.
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
The Atlanta Braves (19-21, 12-6 Home) have been fairly inconsistent lately; they beat the Rockies, lost to the Dodgers, defeated the Reds, and lost to the Pirates over the last four series. In the most recent 4-3 defeat to Pittsburgh, Sean Murphy drove in all three RBI as a pinch hitter in the 8th inning, while Chris Sale pitched for 5.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits with eight strikeouts and two walks. Raisel Iglesias took the loss.
This year, the Braves average 3.92 runs per game (21st in the MLB) on a .237/.310/.380 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Braves’ staff has a 3.89 ERA (16th) and 1.25 WHIP (15th). Austin Riley leads the Braves with a .283 batting average, eight home runs, and 25 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Braves is Grant Holmes, who is 2-3 in seven starts this season, with a 4.58 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 39.1 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Seven of the Braves’ last eight games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Nationals’ last six games as underdogs have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last six Monday games at Truist Park.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Nationals’ last 11 road games against NL East opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Braves rank T9th in the league for runs allowed this season (159).
- The Braves rank 21st in the league for runs scored this season (157).
- The Nationals rank 27th in the league for hits allowed this season (366).
- The Nationals rank T26th in the league for walks allowed this season (157).
Braves vs Nationals Prediction
The Nationals won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Braves were better in three of the last five. Washington’s defense has been awful recently, as they have allowed 8+ runs in seven of the last nine games, so I am sure the Braves will know to exploit their weaknesses at home on Monday. Jake Irvin allowed multiple runs in six of his eight starts this year, while Grant Holmes surrendered ten runs in his previous two starts. I trust neither of them, and I think the offenses will have a field day here. Go with Over.