Braves vs Nationals MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The Washington Nationals have been ahead almost all year in the NL East, but the Braves are making a push. Atlanta is now just 3.5 games behind the Nationals.
Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Atlanta (Hanson) vs. Washington (Strasburg)
Date/Time: July 20, 7:05 p.m. EST on MLB Network
MLB Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Washington (-150) Atlanta (+140)
Runline: Nationals -1.5 (+150) Braves +1.5 (-170)
Total: 7
The team’s have an important three-game set starting Friday night in Washington.
It’s only fitting that both teams will have their Ace on the mound for this one. Let’s take a look at this marquee matchup for Friday night.
The Atlanta Braves offense has been as streaky as any in baseball so far this year. Overall, the Braves average 4.60 runs per game, but they have had red hot runs and terrible cold slumps.
Michael Bourn has been a steady rock at the top of the order for the Braves. Bourn is batting .305, and he has stolen 25 bases this season. Brian McCann is having a subpar season, as is Dan Uggla. Jason Heyward isn’t producing the way one would expect.
Honestly, with these key guys struggling, it is amazing the Braves have been so good in 2012. Tommy Hanson is 10-5 on the season for the Braves. He is 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA on the road. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Stephen Strasburg gets the start for the Nationals in this one. Strasburg’s innings limit will be a common topic as the season moves along, but he is putting together another terrific season. Strasburg is 10-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 2012. Washington leads the majors with a brilliant 3.23 team ERA. Ian Desmond has missed the last five games with an oblique injury.
Desmond has been the team’s best hitter this year, and they really need him back in the lineup. Bryce Harper is having a very impressive rookie season thus far.
Ryan Zimmerman started the season in a horrible slump, but he is starting to hit the ball of late.
Strasburg is an excellent pitcher, but this is a very big number to be laying against a very good team like the Braves. The Braves are a perfect 9-0 in Hanson’s last 9 starts as a road underdog.
I’ll take the value with the Braves in this matchup.
Free MLB Pick: Braves ML
