#961 ASA PLAY ON 8* Atlanta Braves -1.5 on the Run Line (-145) over Washington Nationals, Thursday at 1:05 PM ET - Atlanta dominated this series during the regular season last year including winning 14 of the 19 meetings and 10 of the 14 wins Braves had over the Nationals came by at least 2 runs. In their 19 meetings last season, the Braves had a +49 run differential which equates to +2.6 runs per game and that includes their 5 losses. Pretty dominant to say the least. Atlanta should have a big advantage on the mound here as they are expected to send Fried to start their season opener. Fried is 4-0 in his last 4 decisions vs Washington and is sporting a 52-20 record in the past 4 seasons combined and he finished last season with an outstanding 2.48 ERA. Corbin will be the likely starter for the Nationals here and he led the National League in 3 categories last season that no pitcher wants to lead in! Corbin had 19 losses and allowed 107 earned runs and gave up 210 hits! He is in trouble here against one of the best teams in the league and facing them as a member of a Nationals team that is one of the worst teams in the league. Corbin was poor against the Braves last year as well with a 9.42 ERA and OBA of .391 as Braves hit nearly .400 against hime! He faced Atlanta 4 times last season and was rocked for 15 ER’s in just 14 innings of work. The visitor has the better bullpen and, entering a new season, they of course have all the key arms available for this one other than injured closer Raul Iglesias. However, his short-term absence for Atlanta is mitigated by the fact they have such depth - including in the bullpen - and can lean heavily on guys like AJ Minter, Joe Jimenez and Collin McHugh. They are rested and ready and we're getting this Braves team with a top starter on the mound vs a Nationals team with a guy that would be a 4th starter on most teams and not an opening day guy. Corbin was one of the most hittable pitchers in baseball last season. We think we're getting some nice value laying -1.5 in this one even at a price in the -145 money range with the Braves. Lay it!