Braves vs Nationals Prediction 5/22/26 MLB Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Braves vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Friday, May 22nd at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 35-16 this year after they won three out of four against the Marlins by scores of 0-12, 8-4, 9-1, and 9-3. In game four, Atlanta had their lead cut to 3-2 in the fourth inning, but they scored six of the last seven runs to pull away with the win. The Braves recorded 13 hits in the game and they were led by Harris II, who went 2-5 with two home runs and three RBIs. Strider allowed four hits and three earned runs over 6.1 innings for the win, while Lee picked up a hold. Prior to that series, Atlanta won two out of three against the Red Sox and two out of three against the Cubs. 

This season, Atlanta has a 3.09 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and a .206 opponent batting average, while they have scored 276 runs with a .266 batting average and a .329 on base percentage. Matt Olson has led the Braves with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs, while Drake Baldwin has added 13 home runs and 38 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is Bryce Elder, who is 4-2 with a 2.01 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 62.2 innings pitched this year. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 25-26 this season after they split four games with the Mets by scores of 7-16, 9-6, 8-4, and 1-2. In game four, Washington cut the deficit to 2-1 in the fifth inning, but couldn’t find the tying run in the loss. The Nationals recorded five hits and they committed two errors, while they were led by Chaparro, who went 0-2 with one RBI in the game. Cavalli allowed four hits and two earned runs over 7.0 innings for the loss, while Beeter threw a scoreless relief inning. Prior to that series, Washington won two out of three against the Orioles and two out of three against the Reds. 

This season, Washington has a 5.02 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP and a .259 opponent batting average, while they have scored 280 runs with a .244 batting average and a .325 on base percentage. CJ Abrams has led the Nationals with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs, while James Wood has added 13 home runs and 34 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Miles Mikolas, who is 1-3 with a 6.91 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP over 41.2 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Braves have won each of their last eight games against National League opponents following a road win.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last six night games at Truist Park following a home loss.
• The Braves have covered the run line in 18 of their last 19 games as favorites following a road win.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five night games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• The Braves have led after 5 innings in seven of their last eight games as home favorites.
• The Braves have led after 3 innings in seven of their last eight games as home favorites.
• The Braves have won the first inning in four of their last five home games against opponents that held a losing record.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won five of their last six games as road underdogs against National League opponents following a loss.
• The Braves have lost three of their last four games as home favorites following a win.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in 13 of their last 14 road games following a loss.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as home favorites after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in each of their last five night games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have won the first inning in each of their last five games against the Braves.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in each of their last five games at Truist Park against opponents that held a winning record.

Total Runs Facts

• Eight of the Braves’ last nine home games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Each of the Nationals’ last five night games against National League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last six games as favorites.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Nationals’ last nine night games against NL East opponents.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Michael Harris has hit a home run in four of the Braves’ last five Friday games at Truist Park.
• Michael Harris has recorded at least one hit in each of the Braves’ last 13 games against the Nationals.
• Matt Olson ranks 7th in the league in Home Runs (14) this season.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Luis Garcia has hit a home run in two of his last three road appearances against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• Miles Mikolas has recorded three or more strikeouts in each of his last four appearances against NL East opponents.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one hit in each of his last six appearances.
• Nasim Nunez ranks 1st in the league in Steals (21) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Braves rank 1st in the league for hits this season (464).
• The Braves rank 1st in the league for RBIs this season (270).
• The Nationals rank 1st in the league for runs scored this season (280).
• The Nationals rank 1st in the league for doubles this season (103).

Braves vs Nationals Prediction 

Atlanta comes into this matchup after winning four of their last five games and they have scored 8+ runs in all four of those wins. The Braves are 16-8 at home this year, while the Nationals are 15-10 on the road. Washington has lost three of their last five games, but they have scored at least seven runs in three of their last four. The Nationals are starting Mikolas, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four outings, while Elder has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts. I think Atlanta has a huge pitching advantage in this one, so I like the Braves -1.5 here.