Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-110)
(MLB) Washington vs. Atlanta,
Point Spread: -1.50 | -110.00 Atlanta (Home)
Result: Loss
There’s not a whole lot to like if you’re a fan of the Nationals right now, especially as they finish a weekend set with the Braves. Washington has gone a miserable 7-31 against NL East opponents entering Saturday’s middle game of the set and they are just 16-25 on the road this season. Paolo Espino was pushed back into the rotation with injuries and ineffectiveness necessitating the move. It hasn’t paid dividends as he is 0-2 with a 3.33 ERA over 48.2 innings this season though he’s been lucky as his FIP ERA is 4.40 to date. As a starter, he is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA, a 1.409 WHIP, seven walks, 17 strikeouts and six homers allowed in 22 innings of work. Washington doesn’t score much, ranking 27th in the majors with 3.90 runs per game, and that is trouble against an Atlanta team that has been firing on all cylinders. The Braves entered Saturday fifth in the majors with 4.80 runs per game and that number climbs to 4.98 runs per game at Truist Park, good for second-best in run production at home. Ian Anderson hasn’t been great (5.09 ERA) but his FIP ERA (4.44) shows he’s due for some positive regression. He’s also coming off a win in his last start against the Cardinals. Take Atlanta at home here as they get the win to take the series.