MLB Betting Free Picks – Braves, Nationals Tied In Series

The Nationals and Braves have battled to a series tie thus far, which is above par for Washington, but well below the standard Atlanta has led themselves to this season. A big part of the reason that the Braves haven’t been a sound MLB pick is that their rookie stud, Jason Heyward, hasn’t lived up to his billing after smacking his first pitch out of the park to a rousing applause. With Heyward likely headed to some time off to recover from some nagging injuries, the Braves will be without their supposed slugger for at least a couple games.

The injury to Heyward’s groin comes at a costly time for both the Braves and the rookie. After registering just four hits in 14 at bats up to mid-April, Heyward has since gone 9-of-17 in his past six games, driving in six runs.

As the Braves look to dig themselves out of an early season hole, they’ll have to rely on better pitching to turn the tables in their favor, which is a big reason why MLB betting enthusiast should be relieved that Tim Hudson is on the mound tonight.

Atlanta Braves (12-15) vs. Washington Nationals (14-13)
Thursday, May 6th — Nationals Park — 7:05pm EST

MLB Betting Lines:
Tim Hudson – R -1.5 +120 -135 O 8.5 -120
Scott Olsen – L +1.5 -140 +115 U 8.5 EV

The 11-year veteran has pitched in five games this season, earning a record of 2-1 SU and a 2.87 ERA. He’s allowed just 26 hits in 31.1 innings pitched and kept enough runners out of scoring position to keep his defense from overworking.

Even without Heyward in the lineup, Hudson has all the confidence when playing Washington. Part of what makes him a sterling MLB betting pick tonight is a career record of 8-1 SU with a 1.55 ERA in 13 starts against the Nationals. The Braves will almost definitely need him to recreate the magic that has caused hell for Washington in the past, especially if they’ can’t offer the same type of run support with an ailing Heyward on the bench.

Where To Watch: SPSO, MASN

Countering for Washington will be Scott Olsen, also 2-1 SU this season with a 4.35 ERA. After a rough start where he allowed 12 hits and 10 runs in just 7.2 innings over two games, Olsen has found his better stuff lately allowing just 11 hits in 13 innings with zero runs. His last game was on April 30th, so he’ll be plenty rested for tonight’s game.

With Olsen pitching extremely well, and Hudson always a problem for the Nats, the run-line is a definite no-no in this game. I still like Hudson to dominate the Nationals as he’s gone 3-0 SU when pitching in Washington during his career. The Braves still have plenty of punch at the plate even without Heyward and it’s not like Washington is the type of team that offers a crazy amount of run support at any time.

Furious MLB Betting Free Pick – Atlanta ML Only (UNDER)