Braves vs Nationals Odds and Picks (August 14)

• The Atlanta Braves are heavy road favorites over the Washington Nationals on Saturday evening
• The Braves send Max Fried (9-7, 3.91) to the bump to face Patrick Corbin (6-11, 5.83)
• The odds and pitching matchups can be found below with a prediction

The Atlanta Braves look to stay in the thick of the National League East division title chase when they take on the Washington Nationals at 6:05 pm ET Saturday in the second game of a three-game series at Nationals Park.

Atlanta has been hot of late, winning three straight series — including a taking two-of-three from Washington at home last weekend. With Fried on the bump Saturday, the Braves are big favorites. The Nats, meantime, are on the opposite side of the ledger. Dave Martinez’s club has lost three straight series –being swept in two of them. Washington has lost 10 of their last 11 games entering the series against Atlanta.

The Braves opened as -180 favorites on the money line and have maintained that status heading into first pitch in the Nation’s capital.

Braves vs Nationals Odds

Odds as of August 13th at DraftKings

Probable Pitchers

In a matchup of experienced starters, Atlanta’s Max Fried (9-7, 3.91) faces Patrick Corbin (6-11, 5.83).

Saturday’s tilt in DC is a repeat matchup of last Sunday’s game in Atlanta. Fried won that game when he scattered seven hits, allowed one earned run, one walk and struck out five over six innings. It was his third straight quality start and fourth in five outings. Corbin took the loss in that last outing, allowing five hits (two of them home runs), five earned runs, one walk and striking out five over six innings.

Max Fried vs Patrick Corbin

After failing to get past the fifth inning in his first four starts, Fried has been solid over the last three months, recording a quality start in ten of 15 starts since May 12th. He’s been especially sharp over his last five turns, sporting a 3-2 mark and 2,03 ERA.

Fried is 3-4 with a 5.09 ERA in nine road starts this season. In 12 starts at night, he has a 5-6 record and 3.92 ERA.

Since July 7, the Braves' top fWAR:

Dansby Swanson – 1.6, 160 wRC+
Austin Riley – 1.3, 175
Freddie Freeman – 1.2, 165
Joc Pederson – 0.6, 125
Jorge Soler – 0.5, 190
Ronald Acuña – 0.4 (3 games), 292
Max Fried (batting) – 0.4, 162

Charlie Morton – 0.9 (pitching)
Max Fried – 0.9

— Billy Young (@madhtr) August 12, 2021

Fried owns a 2-1 record with a 5.94 ERA in four starts against the Nats this season. He’s 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA in two starts at Nationals Park in 2021. Over his career, the lefty is 3-3 with a 5.45 ERA in nine starts against the franchise and 1-1 with an 8.74 ERA in four starts in Washington.

Meanwhile, Corbin is is 0-2 record with a 7.15 ERA in two starts against the Braves this season. He’s 5-5 with a 5.34 ERA in 11 starts at home in 2021. He’s also had a problem with surrendering the long ball this season.

And that is the 37th home run allowed by Patrick Corbin over the last 2 seasons, 1 fewer than Jordan Lyles for most in the majors. Just like that, the Nats trail 5-1 in the 6th.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 8, 2021

Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie; Oy, Oy, Oy

A big factor in Atlanta’s recent hot streak has been Ozzie Albies. The Braves second baseman has been on a home run tear of late, going deep in four of his last five games.

Ozzie Albies is the first primary second baseman in MLB history with 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 20-HR seasons before turning 25 years old. pic.twitter.com/tjxxZYOUrz

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 13, 2021

It’s very possible the two-time All-Star keeps it going Saturday considering he’s 8-for-22 career against Corbin, with a pair of doubles to go along with two home runs.

Atlanta Braves vs Patrick Corbin

Adam Duvall is also a player to keep an eye on. He’s gone 9-for-28 lifetime against Corbin. The Braves left fielder has hit two homers and six doubles against the Washington starter.

Washington Nationals vs Max Fried

When you’ve lost nine of 10 games, it’s hard to find bright spots. But Washington third baseman Carter Kieboom has been solid at the plate over the last four games. The 23-year-old — who grew up outside Atlanta in Marietta, GA — is 4-for-14 at the dish in those outings.

As for other potential picks to click in Washington’s lineup against Fried, Juan Soto is always a good bet to go off. He’s 3-for-12 lifetime against the southpaw, with two of those hits being big flies.

Braves vs Nationals Pick

With Washington reeling and Fried dealing, the prudent play in this spot is clearly on the road team. Atlanta’s starter has been one of the best pitchers in the National League over the last month.

Sure, the Nationals are always dangerous as long as Soto is in the lineup. But with the Braves trying to keep pace with the Phillies and Fried on the bump, I like Atlanta here.

The Pick: Braves -180

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