Braves on Two-Game Winning Streak
The Atlanta Braves try to pull closer to the top spot in the NL East when they begin a three-game series with the host Washington Nationals on Monday night. Atlanta has won two in a row and is in second place in the National League East, sitting 1½ games behind the first-place New York Mets.
Washington snapped a two-game losing streak with a win on Sunday but is in last place in the division and has the worst record in baseball. These division rivals are familiar with each other, so read our in-depth preview before you make any bet online on this contest.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB predictions, for Braves vs Nationals. We’ve plenty of World series predictions for you to consider.
Braves Keeping Hopes Alive for Division Title
For much of this season, the Atlanta Braves have been looking up at the New York Mets in the NL East standings, but the team is hoping to make up that last bit of ground in the final 10 days of the regular season. Atlanta pulled out a big win on Sunday, outlasting the Philadelphia Phillies in a game that took 11 innings and over six hours to complete due to rain delays, staying within 1½ games of the Mets in the standings.
“These guys put a lot into these things and they expend a lot of energy to win games on a nightly basis,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Sunday’s win. “It was a big win to try and keep pace in this whole thing. It is unbelievable with the big hits and everything. Especially against the Phillies, who are a really good team.“
Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. drove in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning and finished 1-for-1 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Acuna is batting .272 with 24 doubles, 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and 67 runs scored.
Right-hander Bryce Elder will get the start for Monday’s series opener. Elder is 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA in seven starts and eight appearances in his rookie season, striking out 36 in 40 innings. The 23-year-old took a no-decision against the Washington Nationals in his last start on Wednesday, going 5⅔ innings and allowing one run on four hits while striking out six and walking two.
Nationals Look to Play Spoiler Role
The Washington Nationals have been out of the playoff race for quite a while, but they’re still fighting to avoid the worst record in baseball. Washington has won four of its last nine, which doesn’t seem like much but is higher than the Nationals’ overall win rate for the 2022 campaign.
Rookie first baseman Joey Meneses continues to make his bid for a regular spot next season, hitting his 12th home run in Sunday’s win over the Miami Marlins. Meneses is batting .326 with 12 doubles, 29 RBIs and 29 runs scored in 46 games.
Washington will have right-hander Cory Abbott on the mound on Monday night. Abbott is 0-3 with a 4.85 ERA in seven starts and 14 appearances, striking out 32 in 39 innings. He took the loss against the Atlanta Braves in his last start on Sept. 19, lasting four innings and allowing four runs on six hits while striking out none and walking two.
Braves vs Nationals Head-To-Head
The Atlanta Braves have already clinched the season series with the Washington Nationals, going 12-4 against their division rivals. The Braves have won the season series against Washington for the past five seasons, with the Nationals’ last season series win coming in 2017.
Atlanta has been dominant on the road against the Nationals, going 6-1 at Nationals Park this season. The MLB lines for Monday’s series opener expect that to continue in this series, with the Braves heavily favored to get the win.
Braves vs Nationals Game Information
- Game: Braves (95-58) vs Nationals (53-99)
- Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- Day/Time: Monday, Sept. 26, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Braves vs Nationals Live Stream: MLB.tv
Take a Look at Other Analysis, Picks & Predictions for Braves vs Phillies
- Braves vs Phillies Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks Sep 24
- Braves vs Phillies Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks, Sept. 23
Braves vs Nationals Betting Lines
| Team | RunLine | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Atlanta Braves
B. Elder -R |
-1½ -145 | -240 | 9-115o | 5½-105o
5½-125u |
| Washington Nationals
C. Abbott -R |
+1½ +125 | +200 | 9-105u | 3½-110o
3½-120u |
Braves vs Nationals Prediction
The Atlanta Braves have had their way with the Washington Nationals this season, and with a division title on the line, that should continue in this series. Look for the Braves to open with a flourish, taking the series opener.
When doing your MLB betting, take Atlanta to win on the road.
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
