Nationals vs. Braves Thursday Prediction
The Washington Nationals are red-hot but can the Atlanta Braves cool their National League East rivals when the rivals open a new series Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
955 Washington Nationals (+105) at 956 Atlanta Braves (-125); 8.5 runs
Thursday, May 31, 2018
7:35 p.m. ET, SunTrust Park
TV: WSH (MSN2); ATL (FSSO)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Braves as a -125 favorite. As of this writing, 59% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Nationals to beat the Braves on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Nationals’ Roark pitches seven strong innings in last start
Tanner Roark yielded one run on four hits over seven innings while taking a no-decision in Saturday’s win over the Marlins. Roark struck out five and walked two on the evening. Brian Anderson burned him for an RBI single in the fourth inning, but otherwise, the Marlins were unable to touch the scoreboard while he was on the mound. This season, the veteran right-hander has pitched to a respectable 3.17 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 58/19 K/BB ratio across 10 starts covering 65 1/3 innings. He’ll be hitting the road to take on the Braves in an interdivisional showdown next time out.
Braves’ Newcomb lasts just three innings vs. Red Sox
Sean Newcomb lasted just three innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Saturday, giving up three runs on six hits. Newcomb also issued four free passes while striking out four on the afternoon. He needed 88 pitches to get nine outs in this one. It was a rare disaster for a left-hander who has been remarkably consistent this season, posting a 2.75 ERA and 1.26 WHIP, even after Saturday’s rough outing. He’ll look to right the ship on Thursday against the Nationals.
MLB Betting Trends
Washington
The Nationals are 9-3 in Roark’s last 12 starts versus the Braves and are 42-20 in their last 62 games versus Atlanta overall.
Atlanta
The Braves have won five of Newcomb’s last six starts and are 13-6 in their lat 19 games versus National League East rivals.
Prediction:
I’m not going away from the hot Nats, especially since they’re receiving plus odds tonight. They’re 6-2 in Roark’s last eight road starts when he faces a team with a winning record and are 6-1 in his last seven outings when he pitches the first game of a series. The Nationals are also 21-8 in their last 29 road games and are 16-5 in their last 21 games coming off a win.
The Pick: Washington Nationals +105