After 30 spring training games, it’s time for Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves (101-61, 83-79 RL, 80-74-8 O/U) meet with the Washington Nationals (55-107, 70-92 RL, 75-80-7 O/U) in this NL East Opening Day bout on Thursday afternoon. The Braves will give the start to their ace, Max Fried. The Nationals will reply with veteran Patrick Corbin. The Braves posted a 14-5 record against the Nationals last season.
The Atlanta Braves won the NL Central last season and were dealt a disappointing loss by the Phillies in the NLDS. They enter another MLB season considered a contender in the NL East although the stacked Mets might have something to say about that. The Braves had an eventful offseason. They lost some key players including bonified sluggers Dansby Swanson and Adan Duvall but have more than enough depth and power to contend for the NL East title again this season.
The Braves give Max Fried the Opening Day nod. Fried had a spectacular 2022 season, registering a dazzling 2.48 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP accompanied by a 14-7 record in 30 starts spanning 185.1 innings pitched. Fried was mediocre in four meetings against the Nationals last season, conceding 10 runs in 18 innings, equating to a 4.50 ERA. He has made 15 career appearances against the division rivals, posting a 4.52 ERA and a 1.43 WHP in 69.2 innin gs.
.@austinriley1308 clocking in! ?? pic.twitter.com/14UAvahgds
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 26, 2023
The Braves have a stacked lineup including veterans and young talent. The bats are highlighted by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olsen to name a few. Olson bashed 34 home runs along with 103 RBIs in his first season as a member of the Braves in 2022. Ronald Acuna Jr. hit .266 with 50 RBIs in 119 games. Austin Riley was dominant against the Nationals last season, collecting 16 RBIs and a 1.009 OPS.
Last season Atlanta averaged 4.87 runs per game, good for third in the Major Leagues. The Braves sported a stellar 3.46-team ERA, placing them fifth in the big leagues.
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