Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals 7/20/18, Prediction & Odds

Braves vs. Nationals Prediction

The Washington Nationals are in need of a strong second half to get back in the NL East race and will be welcoming starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg back from the disabled list tonight at home versus the Atlanta Braves. Is Washington the right play to make for bettors or will it be Atlanta that takes the series opener?

Game Snapshot 

903 Atlanta Braves at 904 Washington Nationals

Friday, July 19, 2018

Nationals Park at 7:05PM ET

TV: MASN 2 (WASH)

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Nationals are a -178 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Braves are a +168 underdog, while the total is set at 8 runs. As of Friday morning, 65 percent of public bets are being placed on host Washington. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Markakis plays in first All-Star Game

Atlanta right fielder Nick Markakis participated in his first All-Star Game Tuesday night, his biggest honor after a solid career that has spanned 12-and-a-half years in MLB. He batted .323 with 10 home runs and 61 RBIs prior to the break. In the All-Star Game, Markakis had two plate apperances and drew a walk as the National League lost 8-6 in 10 innings. Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies was 0-for-1 in the contest, while Freddie Freeman finished 0-for-2. Ace pitcher Mike Foltynewicz threw one scoreless inning, striking out one and walking one.

Harper wins Home Run Derby

Washingon slugger Bryce Harper made the hometown fans happy as he claimed the victory in Monday night's Home Run Derby to kick off the All-Star Game festivities. Harper tied Cubs opponent Kyle Schwarber with 18 home runs on his final swing, while he was given 30 seconds of extra time due to launching two home runs over 440 feet. He then quickly hit his 19th home run to clinch the win. The following day in the All-Star Game, Harper did not have the same amount of success as he struck out in both of his at-bats. He'll look for a stronger second half after he hit .214 with 23 home runs and 64 RBIs prior to the break. Nationals ace Max Scherzer started the contest and allowed one earned run on two hits, striking out four and walking one.

Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.60 ERA) gets the start for Atlanta, while Strasburg (6-6, 3.46) returns from the DL to start for the Nats.

MLB Betting Trends

Atlanta

The Braves are 2-11 in their last 13 Friday games. Atlanta is 3-8 in its last 11 games overall.

Washington

The Nationals are 9-4 in Strasburg's last 13 starts versus the Braves. The under is 8-1-2 in the last 11 meetings.

Prediction:

Strasburg might have some rust in his first start back, but he is facing a Braves squad that struggled heading into the break. With Washington having the talent to make a run in the second half, I think it starts tonight with the return of an outstanding pitcher. Go with Washington here.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS -178