Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves 9/14/18, Prediction & Odds

Nationals vs. Braves Prediction

The Washington Nationals will send ace Max Scherzer to the mound today as they begin a series at the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. Is a play on Washington smart for bettors in this contest?

Game Snapshot

905 Washington Nationals at 906 Atlanta Braves 

Friday, September 14, 2018

SunTrust Field at 7:35PM ET

TV: MLB Network

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Nationals are a -142 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Braves are a +132 underdog, while the total sits at 7.5 runs. As of Friday morning, 62 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Washington. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.

Nats fall in extras

Washington lost 4-3 in 10 innings to the Cubs yesterday in its makeup game rescheduled from last weekend. Victor Robles was 1-for-3 with a walk, a run and his first career stolen base from the leadoff spot in the defeat. Trea Turner went 1-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Spencer Kieboom finished 1-for-2 with a solo home run. Sean Doolittle took the loss as he allowed one earned run on three hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Braves wrap up West Coast swing with win

Atlanta secured a 2-1 victory Wednesday at San Francisco before enjoying a day off yesterday. Ronald Acuna Jr. was 1-for-4 with a walk in the victory. Ozzie Albies went 1-for-4 with a double and a run. Freddie Freeman finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Charlie Culberson ended the game 1-for-3 with a walk and a run. Ender Inciarte was 2-for-3 with a double. Tyler Flowers added a pinch-hit RBI single. Dan Winkler struck out one and walked one in a scoreless inning of work to get the win. Jonny Venters struck out one in a spotless inning of work to earn his second save.

Scherzer (17-6, 2.31 ERA) will start today for the Nationals, while the Braves counter with Kevin Gausman (9-10, 3.89).

MLB Betting Trends

Washington

The Nationals are 13-3 in Scherzer's last 16 Friday starts. The over is 20-6-1 in Scherzer's last 27 Friday starts.

Atlanta

The Braves are 3-10 in their last 13 home games. Atlanta is 5-16 in its last 21 Friday games.

Prediction:

Coming into the season, most people figured Washington would be the team in first place once this September series rolled around. Instead, it's the Braves running ahead of the pack despite being a year or two ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Scherzer is dominant in so many starts and Atlanta can afford to lose a game or two with a cushion in the division lead. Go with the favored Nats in this spot.

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS -142