Braves at Nationals Over 8 1/2
Julio Teheran is having a down season with a 5.14 ERA. Stephen Strasburg is a great strikeout pitcher, but he does not have a good track record when pitching in extreme heat.
That’s going to be the case here with this day game. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 80’s with a humidity factor being 10 degrees higher. Strasburg pitched at home against the Braves on a muggy night on June 12 and got lit up in an 11-10 loss. Strasburg gave up six runs in five innings, including three homers.
Strasburg often has trouble against Atlanta. He’s just 10-8 lifetime against the Braves with a 3.95 ERA in 26 career starts. The Nationals’ bullpen has the highest ERA in the majors. Washington has yet to find a reliable closer.
Teheran has a 7.36 ERA in two starts against the Nationals this season. The Braves’ relief staff is below average, too, especially with setup man Arodys Vizcaino on the DL.
Jordan Baker is slated to be the home plate umpire. The over has cashed 61 percent of the time he’s been behind the dish during the past two years.
(I have my Run Line Game of the Year going today in addition to this free selection.)
