Intro: The Atlanta Braves are taking on the Washington Nationals in Game Two of their two-game series tonight. Washington won Game One 5-3. This is an excellent opportunity for both teams to head towards .500. The pitching battle will be AJ Smith-Shawver for the Braves against Trevor Williams for the Nationals. This should be a great matchup! Let’s jump into it and cook up another winning slip!
Atlanta Braves @ Washington Nationals Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Atlanta Braves | -1.5 (+106) | Over 8.5 (-106) | -154 |
| Washington Nationals | +1.5 (-128) | Under 8.5 (-114) | +130 |
| Odds Are Subject to Change Date and Time: May 22nd, 2025 @ 6:45 PM EST | |||
Crucial Stats
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are coming off a tough loss against these Nationals, 5-3. With a record of 24-24, Atlanta sits in 3rd place in the NL East. Offensively, they rank 19th in runs, 14th in OPS, 13th in BA, 15th in TB, and 17th in HRs. Over their last ten games, the Braves have a record of 6-4, including a 9-17 record on the road.
Defensively, Atlanta is an above-average team. For the season, they are ranked 10th in runs allowed, 16th in OPSA, 9th in BAA, 11th in TBA, and 7th in errors. AJ Smith-Shawver is on the mound tonight! After a challenging first two games, Smith-Shawver has been solid. He’s gone at least five innings in his last five starts and only given up five total runs. Smith-Shawver has a 3-2 record, 2.33 ERA, 40 Ks, and a BAA of .218.
In regards to injuries, the Braves are still waiting for former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. to make his return to the team after suffering his season-ending injury last season. Third Baseman Austin Riley leads the team in BA (.283), RBIs (28), and Hits (56). DH Marcell Ozuna leads the team in OBP (.416), while Matt Olson has 10 Home Runs that lead the team. When healthy, they have the talent to be one of the best teams in baseball.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are coming off that nice win two days ago against this Braves team. With a record of 22-2, Washington sits in 4th place in the NL East. Offensively, they are in the middle of the pack. This team ranks 13th in runs, 16th in OPS, 18th in BA, 16th in TB, and 17th in HRs. Over the Nationals’ last ten games, they have a record of 5-5, including an 11-12 home record.
Washington has been one of the worst defensive teams in the MLB, but nothing compared to the Rockies. They rank 26th in runs allowed, 25th in OPSA, 26th in BAA, 24th in TBA, and 11th in errors. Trevor Williams will take the mound for the Nationals. He’s had a rough season: a 2-5 record in his 10 starts, a 5.91 ERA, 38 Ks, and a batting average allowed of .309. This team is still young and gaining experience every year.
Regarding injuries and who’s swinging the hot bat, second-year Right Fielder Dylan Crews will miss this game with an oblique strain. He had a solid performance against Atlanta, going 3/3, hit a triple, and stole a base. Left Fielder leads the team in Home Runs (12), Hits (53), and OBP (.380).
Prediction
The Atlanta Braves will bounce back, beat the Washington Nationals, and cover the 1.5-run line. Despite Williams’ success against the Braves’ lineup, a .250 BA, 53/212, and 56 Ks, he has not been good this season. I expect the Braves to get after him early and often. His primary pitch is a 4-seam fastball, and the Braves have a .329 BA compared to that pitch. Braves dominate and go back over .500.
Who Ya Got???
Atlanta Braves -1.5 (+106)
