Overshadowed by the young mashers of the Atlanta Braves’ white-hot Sportsbook to the season has been a pitching staff that has been one of the best in the National League. And there is no better pitcher in the Atlanta starting rotation right now than Mike Foltynewicz. “Folty,” who will start for the Braves against the Washington Nationals on Friday, has allowed just two earned runs while striking out 26 across his last four starts – a span that consists of 23.0 innings.
- Freddie Freeman is slashing .357/.431/.738 in 42 career at-bats vs Stephen Strasburg.
- The visiting team is 1-5 SU and ATS in the last 6 games in this matchup.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Nationals’ last 6 games – with an average combined score of 5.2 rpg.
Foltynewicz has already taken the bump twice this season against the Nationals, faring well in both outings. The 26-year-old has a 2.61 ERA in 10.1 innings of work against the Nats this year. Foltynewicz no longer relies as much on his fastball – which, despite hitting upwards of 99 miles an hour, doesn’t have much movement – and has started using his extremely effective slider more. However, he is still trying to get more consistent with his finesse pitches and can have some control issues at times.
Countering Foltynewicz for the Nationals will be Stephen Strasburg, who is finding his form after inconsistent play earlier in the season. Strasburg had a 2.51 ERA with 40 strikeouts and nine walks during his five starts in May – plus, he is coming off a sterling five innings of no-run baseball in his last start. The righty blew the Braves away in his one appearance against Atlanta this season, allowing just three hits and no runs in 8.0 innings on April 10.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those going with the Atlanta Braves in this one found them listed on the oddsboard as moneyline underdogs of 135 at Sportsbook for Friday's contest. The betting total was hovering near 8.5 at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 4.6-3.5 win for the Nationals. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Braves sport a record of 33-23 heading into this matchup, while the Washington Nationals sit at 32-23 on the season Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Atlanta vs Washington injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 8 (Atlanta) and No. 5 (Washington) teams, according to our current MLB Power Rankings.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Washington Nationals rank No. 21 at 8.09 hits per game. That compares with the Atlanta Braves' No. 3 ranking in that category.
Comparing defensive stats, Washington owns the No. 5-rated road mark, allowing 3.45 runs per game on the highway. Atlanta, on the other hand, rates No. 4 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Washington looks to rebound from a loss to the Braves, who beat them 4-2 on Thursday behind a start from Sean Newcomb at SunTrust Park.
- Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
- Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
- Washington is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
- Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
- Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Atlanta, Saturday, June 2
