Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 05/23/26

The Atlanta Braves pulled off a dramatic 5-4 extra-innings win over the Washington Nationals Friday night, winning in the bottom of the 11th inning. Atlanta continues to lead the NL East and holds a 11-game lead over the Nationals. The Braves have now won seven of its last 10 games, while the Nationals have won five of its last 10. Atlanta will send Grant Holmes to the mound, entering with a 3-1 record, 3.80 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 38 strikeouts across 47.1 innings pitched. Washington will go with Jake Irvin, who is winless since his first start of the season. Irvin enters with a 1-4 record, a 5.79 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 46.2 innings pitched.   

The Braves continue to be one of the most complete teams in baseball. The Braves lead the league in team ERA (3.08), OPS (.771), second in home runs (72), and second in runs per game (5.4). For the Nationals, they rank first in runs per game (5.5), 4th in OPS (.738), but their pitching has been another story as they have the second-worst team ERA in the league (4.96). Offensively, the Nationals are one of the better hitting teams in the league, but it’s their pitching that continues to be a major concern. With both teams more than capable of hitting the ball, and knowing the Nationals have struggled on the mound this season, I’m leaning towards the over. The Braves are hefty favorites, but I think there’s better value going with the over in tonight’s matchup. Look for the Braves to get to Irvin early, and for the Nationals offense to find a few runs throughout the game to help the game go over. 

Nationals vs Braves prediction: Over 9 (-110) at the time of publishing. Playable up to – 125.