PREMIUM
Braves/Nationals: the end to all woes?
(MLB) Atlanta vs. Washington,
Money Line: -154.00 Atlanta (Away)
Result: Win
Money Line: -154.00 Atlanta (Away)
Result: Win
Braves (Smiley) vs Nationals (Espino)
Atlanta is hot, and the Nationals, not.. Now there is an understatement. Washington was hammered 12-2 yesterday and is en-mired in a 1-9 slump. The Braves at 8-2 now have a share of the lead in the NL East. The Nationals look to Paolo Espino (3-2, 3.74) to break out of this dreadful slump, but I am not sure he is up to the task. An occasional starter most of the season, Espino has been a regular starter lately, hashad some very short starts, a poor ERA since the all-star break and a 4-6 team record.
On the mound for Atlanta is Drew Smily (8-2). After starting very poorly, the lefty has turned his season around. Smily knows how to pitch, and with a team record of 12-8, his teammates give him plenty of support. His last start was a 6 inning 2 run effort.
Neither pen has been especially sharp. Atlanta is 10-5 as a road favorite. The Nationals are only 13-21 against left handed starters, and have been heavily outscored by opposing teams.
It is obvious that the Nationals have nothing to play for. The Braves have a legacy of winning divisions and could be well on their way to another one. I don’t think Espino is the man to stop the bleeding for Washington. Take the Braves to win.
Atlanta is hot, and the Nationals, not.. Now there is an understatement. Washington was hammered 12-2 yesterday and is en-mired in a 1-9 slump. The Braves at 8-2 now have a share of the lead in the NL East. The Nationals look to Paolo Espino (3-2, 3.74) to break out of this dreadful slump, but I am not sure he is up to the task. An occasional starter most of the season, Espino has been a regular starter lately, hashad some very short starts, a poor ERA since the all-star break and a 4-6 team record.
On the mound for Atlanta is Drew Smily (8-2). After starting very poorly, the lefty has turned his season around. Smily knows how to pitch, and with a team record of 12-8, his teammates give him plenty of support. His last start was a 6 inning 2 run effort.
Neither pen has been especially sharp. Atlanta is 10-5 as a road favorite. The Nationals are only 13-21 against left handed starters, and have been heavily outscored by opposing teams.
It is obvious that the Nationals have nothing to play for. The Braves have a legacy of winning divisions and could be well on their way to another one. I don’t think Espino is the man to stop the bleeding for Washington. Take the Braves to win.
