Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals-Game 2 Prediction and Picks for Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
The MLB features a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves (67-83) and the Washington Nationals (62-88) on Tuesday. We’ve got you covered with our game two Braves vs. Nationals prediction. Below I’ll dive into each team’s recent form and break down the starting pitching matchup, before concluding with picks and predictions on this contest that gets underway at 6:45 ET from Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Read on for free MLB picks on this game, and check out that link for other game breakdowns.
Braves Take the Opener
Between all of the injuries and some of the underwhelming play, it has been a complete throwaway season for the Atlanta Braves. They’re now just 67-84 entering Tuesday’s doubleheader, and that puts them in fourth place in the National League East. They’re chasing the first-place Phillies by 22.0 games. In terms of recent form, the Braves are just 2-4 in their last four games, but they’ve rattled off consecutive wins. They took care of the Astros (8-3) on Sunday and hammered the Nationals (11-3) on Monday.
It was an offensive surge that guided the Braves to a victory on Monday, as the team combined for 16 hits and 11 runs. Matt Olson, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Drake Baldwin each homered in the victory. Spencer Strider (7.0 IP, 1 ER) was sharp in his start and picked up the win.
- Chris Sale gets the nod for Tuesday’s second game, and the 36-year-old has been lights out in 18 starts (107.0 IP) this year.
- The left-hander comes into the contest at just 5-5, but owns a 2.52 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.
- Sale last pitched on Wednesday against the Cubs, where he gave up three earned runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.0 innings.
- It was a losing effort in a 3-2 defeat.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Nationals in the Cellar of the East
Meanwhile, this season has been a complete disaster for the Washington Nationals. They didn’t have extremely high expectations entering 2025, but the organization was supposed to take a step forward due to their youthful core. That hasn’t happened, and the Nats are the second-worst team in the National League at 62-88. Only the dreadful Rockies (41-109) are worse in the N.L. With all of that being said, Washington is in the midst of a respectable 9-5 run.
The Nationals got hammered 11-3 in Monday’s series opener against the Braves. The loss ultimately fell on Mitchell Parker (5.0 IP, 6 ER) in the starter’s role. Offensively, Daylen Lile went 2-for-3 with a home run.
- MacKenzie Gore will oppose Sale on Tuesday, and the 26-year-old has been serviceable in 28 outings (152.1 IP) this year.
- The southpaw is currently 5-14 with a 4.14 ERA (36th) and a 1.33 WHIP (45th).
- Most recently, Gore faced the Marlins and held them to two earned runs on four hits and two walks over 5.0 innings.
- He was saddled with the loss in a 5-0 defeat.
Braves vs. Nationals Pick
Run Line Pick for Braves vs. Nationals
- Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-113) (5 units)
The Braves are huge favorites (-200 on the moneyline) in game two, and that checks out considering Chris Sale is taking the bump. The left-hander has been exceptional this year, posting a 2.52 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. In his last three outings (17.2 IP), Sale has logged a 2.55 ERA.
The Braves also have a ton of offensive upside, which is ultimately why I’m willing to lay the 1.5 runs with Atlanta. They just put up 11 runs on the Nationals on Monday, and they’ve now scored 19 runs in their last two contests. Factor in that Washington has the worst bullpen in the Majors (5.47 ERA), and Atlanta should have plenty of chances to stretch out a multi-run victory.
Over/Under Pick for Braves vs. Nationals
- Over 7.0 (-112) (5 units)
We have a total of just 7.0 runs in this contest. Even with Sale going, this is an absurdly low number. Washington’s current roster has seen Sale relatively well in the past, slashing .257/.297/.486 against him over 35 at-bats. Washington should manage a few runs to help push this game over the total.
But let’s make no mistake, this wager on the over will be relying on Atlanta’s offense. They’ll take on MacKenzie Gore, and their current roster is slashing .269/.345/.538 against him over 78 at-bats. As I mentioned above, Washington’s bullpen is horrendous. They’re dead last in ERA (5.47), while ranking 29th in WHIP (1.51) and 28th in opposing batting average (.265). The Braves have a realistic shot to put up seven runs by themselves. I’m taking the over.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
