MLB – (7:35 ET, TBS) Washington at Atlanta
MLB – (7:35 ET, TBS) Washington at Atlanta
The laws of opposites attracting have been much debated in the scholarly world2007-04-12
The laws of opposites attracting have been much debated in the scholarly world; however in baseball, they just are scheduled to meet one another. Washington was supposed to finish last in the National League East division according to prognosticators and with 1-8 start, they have been convincing in meeting expectations. Atlanta finally let go of their stranglehold of the division last season and the Mets and Philadelphia were presumed to be the top two teams in 2007, yet early returns suggest the Braves may be ready to reclaim the title with 7-1 start.
Early season major league baseball is easy to dissect numbers, since they are in there purest form without being cluttered as the season wears along. Washington is doing nothing right. Except for a three run nine inning comeback win against Florida, the Nationals would still be searching for first win. Washington’s offense is scoring dismal 2.3 runs per game and has scored more then three runs just once. Conversely they are allowing 6.8 runs a game (meaning average loss is 4.5 RPG, gulp) with the bullpen do a less then sterling job with 6.12 ERA.
Atlanta has feasted on division foes and seeks the sweep against the Nats. This is the Braves best start since World Series title season in 1995. Atlanta has the long ball back in the arsenal, with 13 home runs, tops in the senior circuit. All the starting pitchers have done well except for one outing against the Mets in allowing more then four runs a single time.
Today ace John Smoltz takes the hill for Atlanta as huge 3-1 favorite (-300), with total of 8.5 at Sportsbook.com. Smoltz is 8-2 and the Nats-Expos since 1997 with an excellent 2.55 ERA. He will be opposed by Jason Bergmann, who was wild in first start, giving up six walks and 5 hits in less then four innings. Bergmann confirmed that GM Jim Bowden talked to him around the batting cage after his poor effort. Not exactly a sign of confidence after one start, pitching coach Randy St. Claire said that Bergmann is trying too hard and not trusting his stuff.
The Nationals may be 14-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after batting .225 or worse over a five game span over the last 2 seasons; nonetheless right-hander Smoltz is spectacular 25-3 (+18.9 Units) against the ML vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .315 or worse in the last decade. (Braves record)
TBS will televise this NL East contest starting at 7:35 Eastern. Quickly click to the Live Odds page for up to the second information on the baseball schedule.