Game Preview
The Washington Nationals had flashes of brilliance this season, but they always seem to come too late. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves need to rev things up again before the playoffs start or risk losing some of their edge.
Thursday night in Washington, D.C., the first game in a four-game series will get underway. The Nationals swept the three-game set with a 13-3 thrashing of the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
Washington’s grand slammer on Wednesday, Lane Thomas, thinks the Nationals are taking the proper approach. Dominic Smith, the Nationals’ first baseman, has shown some power recently, and the team couldn’t be happier. He now has 11 home runs on the season after hitting two in his last three outings.
Five of the last six games have ended in defeat for the National League East champion Braves, who were defeated by the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 in extra innings on Wednesday. The Braves, who have been slacking off since capturing the division, will play their final road games of the regular season in Washington.
For Atlanta’s first game of the series, they’ll send out Max Fried. Since coming off the DL in early August, the lefty has made eight starts and won all five of his decisions. He has made three starts in September and is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA.
Since he faced the Nationals on Opening Day and gave up one run over three and a third innings, Fried hasn’t faced them again. He has faced Washington 16 times over his career, making 15 starts, and going 6-4 with a 4.44 ERA.
Jake Irvin will take the mound for the Nationals for this game. He hasn’t won in almost two months, as he is winless in his last nine outings with an earned run average of 3.60.
While the rookie was outstanding against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 9 (in a no-decision outing), he faltered in his most recent start. Irvin lost Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers after allowing four runs on five walks in four and a third innings of work. This will be the first time Irvin faces up against the Braves.
Sign-up at BetUS TODAY and get 125% BONUS. Use the Promo Code BETUSTV125. Terms and Conditions apply.
Let’s check the latest MLB news, stats and MLB expert picks for Braves vs Nationals. We’ve plenty of MLB Predictions for you to consider.
Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals Game Information
- Date: 09/21/2023
- Time: 07:05 PM ET
- Location: Nationals Park.
- How to Watch Braves vs Nationals: MLB.TV
- Live Stream: MLB.TV
