Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals 7/21/18, Prediction & Odds

Braves vs. Nationals Prediction

The struggles of the Washington Nationals continued Friday night as they lost at home in the series opener to the Atlanta Braves. Will Washington lose another tonight or will it find its way in the middle game of the three-game set?

Game Snapshot

953 Atlanta Braves at 954 Washington Nationals

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Nationals Park at 7:05PM ET

TV: FSSO (ATL)

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Nationals are a -141 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Braves are a +131 underdog, while the total is set at 8.5 runs. As of Saturday morning, 52 percent of public bets are siding with host Washington. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.

Albies leaves game with hamstring injury

Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies was replaced in Friday's game after injuring his hamstring. He is likely to miss a couple games. He was 1-for-1 with a double, a run and an RBI prior to the tight hamstring. Albies is fresh off his first All-Star appearance. Charlie Culberson replaced him and went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs. Ronald Acuna Jr. finished 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a walk and three runs. Freddie Freeman went 2-for-5 with a double, a run and three RBIs. Johan Camargo was 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Anibal Sanchez earned the win as he allowed three earned runs on six hits over six innings, striking out eight and walking three. A.J. Minter picked up his fifth save as he struck out one in a spotless inning.

Strasburg takes loss, beefs with Scherzer

Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg made his first start after coming off the DL, beefing with teammate Max Scherzer in the dugout and into the clubhouse in frustration after departing the game. He gave up six earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. Adam Eaton drew two walks in five plate appearances and scored a run. Trea Turner and Matt Adams both hit a solo home run in four at-bats. Juan Soto went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two RBIs.

Sean Newcomb (8-5, 3.51 ERA) will start today for the Braves, while the Nats are going with Gio Gonzalez (6-6, 3.72).

MLB Betting Trends

Atlanta

The over is 16-5 in the last 21 Braves road games. Atlanta is 2-6 in Newcomb's last eight Saturday starts.

Washington

The under is 10-4 in the last 14 Nationals games on Saturdays. The under is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings.

Prediction:

Washington has struggled, Gonzalez has really struggled and maybe this team will never turn it around enough. Newcomb has faltered some lately, but perhaps the All-Star Break did him some good. Even without Albies, I think the Braves have enough in the tank to win on the road for a second straight day.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ATLANTA BRAVES +131