Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Picks and Predictions September 16th 2025

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The Atlanta Braves will visit the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park for a night game on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The Braves have a record of 67-83 and are ranked 4th in the NL East. They are on a two-game winning streak but have won only four of their last ten games.

The Washington Nationals hold a 62-88 record and sit in 5th place in the NL East. They have a recent loss but have performed better in their last ten games, winning six. The game will be broadcast on MASN, and fans should expect moderate rain with mild temperatures and a light breeze.

Braves vs Nationals Key Information

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Teams: Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals
  • Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
  • Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Not available

The Atlanta Braves Can Win If…

The Atlanta Braves built momentum with an 11-3 victory over Washington in the opener, powered by Spencer Strider’s seven-inning gem and Matt Olson’s four-hit, four-RBI performance. When the Braves’ pitching and power align, they can overwhelm opponents quickly.

Olson has been one of the anchors of the lineup, hitting .277 with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs. The Braves rank 14th in home runs with 170, showing they still possess strong power potential across the order. Ronald Acuña Jr. also adds explosiveness, while Drake Baldwin provided a big boost with a homer and two singles in the win.

Chris Sale starts for Atlanta, bringing a 2.52 ERA and his usual strikeout dominance. Though injuries have limited him this season, Sale has kept hitters off balance since his return. If he commands his fastball and mixes his off-speed effectively, the Braves’ offense should have more than enough to back him up.

The Washington Nationals Can Win If…

The Washington Nationals fell short in the 11-3 defeat but showed flashes, with Daylen Lile homering and CJ Abrams driving in a run. Lile has been on fire, reaching base in 15 straight games while hitting .427 in that span. That kind of production is critical for Washington to stay competitive.

The Nationals’ strength lies in speed and extra-base hits. They rank 9th in doubles with 245 and 6th in stolen bases with 123. James Wood provides the power, leading the team in home runs. If they can manufacture runs with their blend of speed and gap power, they have a formula to pressure Atlanta’s pitching staff.

MacKenzie Gore takes the ball with a 4.14 ERA. While he has struggled with consistency, his 3.38 career ERA in seven starts against Atlanta shows he knows how to pitch to this lineup. If Gore can limit walks and get run support, Washington can grind out a win behind their young starter.

The Lean

According to the latest MLB odds, the Braves hold the edge on both sides of the ball. Atlanta’s ERA ranks 22nd compared to Washington’s 29th, giving them the pitching advantage. My model projects a 5-4 Braves win, making Atlanta the moneyline pick.

The projected total lands at 9 runs. With Atlanta’s power heating up and Washington’s ability to manufacture runs, the over has value if the line is set at 8.5 or lower. Bettors should also review the Expert MLB Betting Guide and daily MLB Picks for additional plays.

Key Betting Trends

TeamLast 10 GamesMoneyline RecordOver/Under Record
Atlanta Braves6-47-35-5
Washington Nationals5-54-65-5

The Braves have won 10 of their last 14 meetings against Washington, with their power bats often being the difference. The Nationals, however, have kept totals close to even, leaning on their speed and timely hitting to extend games. For more team-by-team breakdowns, see the MLB Teams page.

Players to Watch

PlayerTeamStat Highlight
Chris SaleBraves2.52 ERA, 9 K in last start
Matt OlsonBraves.277 AVG, 26 HR, 87 RBI
Ronald Acuña Jr.BravesPower-speed threat, HR vs Nationals
MacKenzie GoreNationals3.38 ERA in 7 career starts vs Atlanta
Daylen LileNationals.427 over last 15 games, HR in opener
James WoodNationalsTeam HR leader, middle-order slugger

Sale remains the Braves’ key on the mound, while Olson and Acuña Jr. headline the offense. For Washington, Gore must pitch deep into the game, while Lile’s hot streak and Wood’s power are essential for generating offense.

Game Preview Recap

The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals meet in a doubleheader with Chris Sale and MacKenzie Gore headlining the nightcap. Atlanta (67-83) cruised in the opener, but Washington still has shown flashes of competitiveness this September with a 9-5 record.

Sale is seeking his first career win against Washington, entering 0-2 with a 3.42 ERA in six appearances. Gore has battled injuries but looked solid in his last outing, allowing two runs in five innings. Run support has been his biggest issue, with the Nationals averaging just 3.27 runs per nine innings behind him.

Atlanta’s lineup continues to surge, with Olson delivering four hits, Baldwin driving in four runs, and Acuña Jr. going deep in Monday’s win. The Nationals’ best hope lies with Lile’s consistency and Wood’s power, combined with Gore limiting damage early.

For fans tracking playoff storylines or betting angles, MLB Scores & Odds will provide updates, while the Expert Betting Guide offers deeper analysis.