Braves vs. Nationals prediction and odds for Thursday, March 30 (Atlanta will win big)
The 2023 MLB season will begin with two games that are set to begin at 1:05 p.m. EST on Thursday.
One of those games is an NL East showdown between the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.
The Braves enter the season as the betting favorites to win the division at +110, while the Nationals have by far the longest odds to +25000. Can Washington pull off the Opening Day upset, will the Braves cruise to 1-0, or is a wager on the total the move to make?
Let's dive into the odds and then I'll give you my best bet.
Braves vs. Nationals odds, spread, and total
The odds listed below are via BetMGM Sportsbook.
Run line:
- Braves -1.5 (-135)
- Nationals +1.5 (+115)
Moneyline:
- Braves -250
- Nationals +200
Total:
8 (Over -105/Under -115)
Braves vs. Nationals prediction and pick
Patrick Corbin gets the start for the Washington Nationals, and if this was 2019, I'd stay far away from betting against him. But, this is 2023 and we need to accept that Corbin isn't the same pitcher he used to be.
His last three seasons, he has had ERA of 4.66, 5.82, and 6.31. The last two seasons he led the National League in losses, combining for 45 across the two seasons. He also didn't show any signs in Spring Training that he has fixed his issues in the offseason. He gave up nine earned runs and 21 hits across 18 inning pitched in the spring.
Now, he has to face a pitcher who finished in second in Cy Young voting with a 2.48 ERA last season, and gave up a grand total of zero (0) earned runs in 14.1 innings pitched in the spring. Max Fried is one of the best pitchers in baseball, he gets a tasty Opening Day matchup on Thursday.
I'd be shocked if the Braves don't win this game by multiple runs.
Pick: Braves -1.5 (-135)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.