The Washington Nationals will visit Truist Park to take on the Atlanta Braves in a night game on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:15 PM. The Nationals, with a record of 64-92, are placed last in the NL East Division and are currently on a two-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Braves sit at fourth place in the same division with a record of 73-83 and are enjoying an impressive eight-game winning streak.
Washington enters this game with a road record of 33-45, seeking to build on their recent victories against the New York Mets. Led by interim manager Miguel Cairo, the Nationals have shown resilience, having won their last two games with scores of 3-2 and 5-3. Their recent form on the road will be tested against a formidable Braves team.
The Atlanta Braves, managed by Brian Snitker, have performed better at home with a record of 36-39. They have dominated recent meetings with the Nationals, winning the last two encounters by scores of 9-4 and 5-0. With momentum on their side, the Braves aim to extend their winning streak and improve their standing in the division under the warm and breezy conditions expected at Truist Park.
Braves vs Nationals At a Glance
- Teams and Records: Washington Nationals (64-92) vs. Atlanta Braves (73-83)
- Streaks and Standings: Nationals are on a 2-game win streak, Braves on an 8-game win streak
- Location and Time: Truist Park in Atlanta, GA, on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:15 PM
- Weather Forecast: Warm with a light breeze and a few clouds
- TV Coverage: The game will be broadcast on MLBN
- Odds: Braves are favored with a moneyline of -247, Nationals at +205
Braves Set to Continue Dominance Against Nationals
Washington Nationals Overview
The Washington Nationals are aiming to disrupt the Atlanta Braves’ winning streak. With a current record that places them lower in the league standings, they are hoping for a strong showing to conclude the season on a positive note.
Offensively, the Nationals have struggled this season, particularly in terms of power hitting. Their batting average ranks 13th, which indicates a decent level of consistency at the plate, but their ability to translate hits into runs has been lacking.
Key Players to Watch
MacKenzie Gore takes the mound for the Nationals. Despite a challenging season reflected in his 5-14 win-loss record, Gore has shown potential with a 4.00 ERA, making him a critical player for this game.
The Nationals will look to their lineup to provide support, with a focus on improving their slugging percentage, which currently stands at 14th in the league. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial against the Braves’ effective pitching staff.
Washington Nationals Pitching Analysis
Washington’s pitching staff has been a mixed bag this season. While they have managed to secure the 5th spot in quality starts with 66, they have also struggled with an ERA of 4.38, ranking 22nd in the league.
Containing the Braves’ lineup will require a concerted effort from Gore and the bullpen. Limiting home runs, given that they have allowed 187 this season, will be a focal point for their game strategy.
Nationals Team Performance Trends
- Current season batting average: .245 (Rank: 13th)
- On-base percentage: .319 (Rank: 8th)
- Slugging percentage: .398 (Rank: 14th)
- Strikeouts: 1317 (Rank: 18th)
- Home runs: 180 (Rank: 12th)
Betting Trends
- Washington Nationals have struggled in night games with a record below .500.
- Their performance as underdogs has been challenging, indicating potential opportunities for bettors.
- Nationals have been more successful against division opponents compared to league-wide matchups.
Nationals Look to Build Momentum Against Braves
Team Hitting Overview
The Washington Nationals’ batting lineup ranks 15th in batting average at .243, showing some ability to make contact. Despite their struggles in the power department, with just 146 home runs ranking 23rd, they have been effective in hitting doubles, sitting 11th with 254.
With an on-base percentage of .304 and a slugging percentage of .386, the Nationals are positioned in the lower tier of the league rankings, at 19th and 21st respectively. However, their speed on the bases is notable with 129 stolen bases, which ranks them 9th.
Team Pitching Insights
The Nationals’ pitching staff has faced challenges, evidenced by their 5.32 ERA, which ranks 29th in the league. Opponents have hit .268 against them, placing them 20th in batting average against.
With 200 home runs allowed, their pitching has been susceptible to long balls, ranking 20th. On a brighter note, the Nationals have achieved 46 quality starts, putting them in the middle of the pack at 16th.
Recent Performances
In their recent road series against the Mets, the Nationals secured two victories, 3-2 and 5-3, showing resilience in close games. Their loss on September 19th saw them concede 12 runs, revealing some vulnerability in their pitching.
On the offensive side, Nasim Nuñez and Daylen Lile have been key contributors, with Lile impressing with a home run and three RBIs in their 5-3 win. Dylan Crews has also been consistent, providing steady production in multiple games.
Key Players to Watch
CJ Abrams remains a pivotal figure in the lineup, boasting a .261 batting average with 18 home runs. Josh Bell has demonstrated power with 20 home runs, leading the team in that category.
In the pitching department, MacKenzie Gore is expected to take the mound, carrying a 4.00 ERA and a challenging 5-14 record. His performance will be crucial in dictating the game’s outcome against a potent Braves lineup.
Team Betting Trends
- Washington Nationals are 64-92 (41.0%) straight up in all games.
- The Nationals have been more successful as underdogs, going 58-81 (41.7%).
- On the runline, they hold a record of 75-81 (48.1%) across all games.
- When playing away, their runline record is stronger at 43-35 (55.1%).
- The Nationals have a 22-16 (57.9%) record in one-run games.
Braves vs Nationals Prediction: Braves -156
The Atlanta Braves enter this game with a strong momentum, riding an impressive eight-game winning streak. With a record of 73-83, the Braves have been outperforming the Washington Nationals, who sit at 64-92. Atlanta’s home advantage at Truist Park, where they hold a 36-39 record, could play a significant role in securing another victory.
Chris Sale is slated to start for the Braves, boasting an impressive ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 1.07. His performance this season has been solid, reflected in his 5-5 win-loss record. This gives the Braves a significant edge on the mound against the Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore, who has struggled with a 5-14 record and a 4.00 ERA.
The Nationals have not found much success on the road, holding a 33-45 record away from home. Although they are coming off a two-game win streak, their inconsistency and struggles against division opponents, with a 20-29 division record, suggest they might face challenges against a surging Braves team.
Considering these factors, the Braves appear to be a favorable pick at -156 odds. With Atlanta’s recent form and Sale’s pitching dominance, a projected final score of Braves 5 – Nationals 2 seems plausible.
- Braves vs Nationals Prediction: Braves -156
- Braves vs Nationals Score: Braves 5 – Nationals 2
