The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals are set to continue their 3-game series Wednesday, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Currently, the Braves hold a slight edge in the season series, leading 3-2.
The Braves come into this matchup with an overall record of 24-24. They faced a setback in the series opener, losing to the Nationals 5-3, despite a strong performance from first baseman Matt Olson, who hit his 10th home run of the season during a 3-run second inning. However, the Braves’ offense was unable to capitalize further in the game.
On the other hand, the Nationals are on a roll, having won four straight games and five of their last six. A standout performance from their bullpen provided stellar relief, allowing only one hit over 3 2/3 innings, while outfielder Dylan Crews contributed a pivotal solo homer to secure the lead, marking his seventh homer of the season.
In terms of pitching, the projected starters for Wednesday will be Atlanta’s AJ Smith-Shawver and Washington’s Trevor Williams. Smith-Shawver has had a solid season with a 2.33 ERA and dominant form recently, including a win last week where he pitched six scoreless innings against the Nationals. Conversely, Williams has struggled, allowing four or more runs in his last four starts, making it a challenging outing for him.
From a betting perspective, BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Braves as the favorites at -160, while the Nationals are at +135. The Braves’ performance this season shows that they have been successful in achieving multiple-run victories, which could parallel the history of the Nationals, who have suffered a high percentage of two-run losses.
Overall, the Braves will look to even the series after Tuesday’s loss, and all eyes will be on Smith-Shawver’s ability to continue his strong performance against a Nationals team that has shown resilience. As the season progresses, both teams aim to find their rhythm, and the potential for an exciting game is high.
The outcome of this matchup could go either way, making it an intriguing watch for baseball fans and betters alike.