MLB Betting – Nationals vs Braves Preview & Pick
The Washington Nationals deserve some credit for even playing .500 ball considering they’ve been without Stephen Strasburg all year, they’ve lost Adam LaRoche for the season and they’ve played much of the year without Ryan Zimmerman.
THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR AMERICA’S PASTTIME! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET ON MLB TODAY!
MLB Gambling Online – Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves
Date: Saturday, July 16, 2011
Venue: Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
Broadcast: MASN, SPSO
Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves Betting Lines from Betonline.com
Money Line: Braves -178
Over/Under: 7
CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —>
Bet now at BETONLINE —>
Talk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –>
Washington Nationals (46-46 through July 14)
John Lannan (5-6, 3.64)
They open their weekend series eight games behind National League Wildcard leader Atlanta and may view this series as their last chance to contend this season.
John Lannan (nasal contusion) is expected to start Saturday against the Braves. He’s been oddly lucky against them in his career, posting a hideous 1.56 WHIP but going 6-4 over 12 starts with a 3.25 ERA. The innings eater has had trouble going deep in games of late, failing to pitch more than 5.2 frames in three of his last four starts.
Atlanta Braves (54-38 through July 14)
Tommy Hanson (10-4, 2.44)
The Atlanta Braves are feeling good entering the stretch run, having won five of seven and, more importantly, finally getting healthy. Jason Heyward is back from his shoulder injury and Tommy Hanson is back dominating opposing hitters after missing time in June. Martin Prado (calf) may return to the lineup this weekend well.
The Braves’ pitching seems destined to dominate for the rest of 2011. The key to them passing the Phillies in the NL East is their offense. If it can even improve to the point of being average, Atlanta should contend for the World Series. Brian McCann and the rapidly improving Freddie Freeman have chipped in plenty of offense but need some help. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Dan Uggla, batting just .185, obviously has to be better. His 15 homers at least suggest he hasn’t lost his power stroke. Jason Heyward is supposed to be the next great superstar but is batting just .226 with nine homers. These two sluggers have to be better.
MLB Trends
Under is 11-1 in WAS last 12 Sat. games.
Under is 6-2-1 in WAS last 9 road games.
WAS are 30-65 in their last 95 Sat. games.
ATL are 10-1 in their last 11 home games.
ATL are 10-3 in their last 13 overall.
ATL are 10-3 in their last 13 games on grass.
MLB Free pick:
Hanson’s splits look very promising for Saturday. He has a 2.94 lifetime ERA against Washington; he’s also 5-2 with a 2.23 ERA at Turner Field this season. Hanson is hot, having allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his last five outings.
He hasn’t lost a start since May 27.
Lannan, meanwhile, has been lucky against Atlanta given the spotty control he’s shown. Maybe he’ll help Uggla break out of his slump? The struggling second baseman bats .353 over 17 career at-bats against Lannan.
Look for Atlanta to cruise on Saturday.
Nationals vs Braves prediction: Braves 5, Nationals 1
One reply on “MLB Betting – Washington vs. Atlanta Preview & Pick”
One lost fact, Atlanta usually looses after a Phillies lost. The Phillies lost today.