The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals are back in action Sportsbook a three-game series from Nationals Park following the all-star break. Heading into the break, the Braves were scuffling going 3-8 SU and they opened as +141 underdogs. The Nationals also needed a little time off as they had a 6-10 record SU heading into the break, but open this game as the -162 favorite. Anibal Sanchez toes the rubber for Atlanta, while Stephen Strasburg counters for Washington with tonight’s total Sportsbook at 8 runs.
- Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games as the underdog.
- The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta’s last 20 road games vs Washington (Avg. combined score of 10.7).
- Washington is 7-13 ATS in its last 20 games as the favorite.
To see the Braves vs Nationals matchup page click here.
Braves finding success in Sanchez’s resurgence
Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.60 ERA) was released from the Minnesota Twins on March 11 this year to the benefit of the Braves. Atlanta took a flyer on the righty five days later and the dividends have paid off as the club is 7-3 SU over his last 10 starts. The Venezuela native saw his yearly ERA climb steadily from 2.57 in 2013 up to 6.41 in 2017, but he’s had a bounce-back season through the first half sporting a 2.60 ERA.
Sanchez has faced the Nats twice already this season, including one start and one relief appearance. In total, the 34-year-old's line vs Washington in 2018 is: 10 innings, three hits, seven strikeouts, zero runs and has held opposing batters to a 0.91 batting average. According to our Pitcher Money Won table, Sanchez is one of the most profitable pitchers in the league, earning bettors a profit of $+428 based on $100 bets on each of his starts this season.
Strasburg not getting results at home
The Nats get Stephen Strasburg (6-6, 3.46 ERA) back from the DL, looking to get the ball rolling in the second half of the season. Strasburg landed on the disabled list after suffering some shoulder inflammation in his last start vs the San Francisco Giants on June 8. The California native has struggled to find success at Nationals Park this season as he has allowed 11 more earned runs at home rather than on the road despite making just one more start. As a result, Washington is 2-5 SU through the righties seven home starts this year.
Strasburg’s best home start this season came against the Braves. The righty mowed down the Braves lineup at Nationals Park on April 10, tossing eight scoreless innings and allowing just three hits. This is the third look at Strasburg for the Atlanta hitters in 2018, as the Braves are looking to build off their last interaction. The Braves got on Strasburg when the Nats visited SunTrust Park on June 1, as the 29-year-old surrendered three earned runs over 6.2 innings including seven hits while striking out 10. Strasburg will need to be on his A-game as the Braves hitters rank 8th in the majors with a .252 average vs RHP and have a 37-29 SU record against right-handed starters.
Braves have been great recently as dogs ATS
With the Braves being the +141 underdog, Sportsbook has tonight’s +1.5 runline Sportsbook at -140. Atlanta has gone 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when it's the underdog in the game and has also gone 7-3 ATS in Sanchez’s last 10 starts overall. In addition, the Braves are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five games vs the Nationals. Also, Washington is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 when it is the favorite. A lot of signs pointing towards the Braves +1.5-runline and at -140, it may be the best bet to make.
Should you be on the OVER?
Tonight’s total opened at 8 runs and Washington has gone OVER that number in eight of Strasburg’s 13 starts in 2018. The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta’s last 20 road games vs Washington with an average combined score of 10.7. In addition, the Braves have gone OVER in 15 of their last 20 road games overall with an average combined score of 10.25. However, both starters have shown success in their appearances against the other’s club and could drag this game to an UNDER.
