Nationals vs Braves Prediction 5/23/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Nationals vs Braves prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, May 23rd at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 25-27 this year after they lost game one by a score of 5-4 on Friday night. Washington led 4-2 in the 10th inning, but they allowed two runs in the bottom of the 10th and one in the 11th for the loss. The Nationals recorded 10 hits in the game and they were led by Abrams, who went 2-5 with one home run and three RBIs. Mikolas allowed three hits and zero earned runs over 5.0 innings, while Schultz was charged with the loss in extra innings. Prior to this series, Washington split four games with the Mets and won two out of three against the Orioles. 

This season, Washington has a 4.96 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP and a .259 opponent batting average, while they have scored 284 runs with a .244 batting average and a .324 on base percentage. CJ Abrams has led the Nationals with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs, while James Wood has added 13 home runs and 34 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Jake Irvin, who is 1-4 with a 5.59 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP over 46.2 innings pitched this year. 

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 36-16 this season after they won game one by a score of 5-4 last night. Atlanta blew a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning, but they rallied to get the win in extra innings. The Braves recorded 11 hits in the game and they were led by Tromp, who went 2-3 with two RBIs. Elder allowed five hits and one earned run over 6.0 innings, while Suarez blew the save and Kinley got the win. Prior to this series, Atlanta won three out of four against the Marlins and two out of three against the Red Sox. 

This season, Atlanta has a 3.08 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and a .207 opponent batting average, while they have scored 281 runs with a .266 batting average and a .329 on base percentage. Matt Olson has led the Braves with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs, while Drake Baldwin has added 13 home runs and 38 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is Grant Holmes, who is 3-1 with a 3.80 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP over 47.1 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Braves have won each of their last eight Saturday day home games against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have lost each of their last four day games against National League opponents.
• The Braves have covered the run line in nine of their last 10 day games against NL East opponents.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs following an extra innings loss.
• The Nationals have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three day games against National League opponents.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Nationals have won five of their last six games as road underdogs following a road loss.
• The Braves have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a home win.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in 14 of their last 15 games as road underdogs following a loss.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in 11 of their last 12 day games against the Nationals at Truist Park following a home win.
• The Braves have lost the first inning in three of their last four day games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four day games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Braves’ last six games after playing the previous day have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Seven of the Nationals’ last eight games as underdogs against National League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last four day games against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Nationals’ last five road games.

Nationals vs Braves Prediction 

Atlanta was able to get the win in extra innings to start this series and they have won four games in a row. The Braves are 17-8 at home this year, while the Nationals are 15-11 on the road. Washington has split their last four games, but they have scored 7+ in three of their last five. The Nationals are starting Irvin, who has allowed 2, 5, and 4 earned runs in his last three starts, while Holmes has allowed two earned runs in his last 10.0 innings. I don’t love fading the Nationals offense, but I am going to back Atlanta -1.5 here.

David Racey's Pick: Braves -1.5