Baseball fans, get ready for a classic National League East showdown as the Atlanta Braves (66-83) roll into Nationals Park to take on the Washington Nationals (62-87) on Monday, September 15, 2025. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. ET, and both teams are eager to set the tone in this opening game of a highly anticipated three-game series. With both clubs out of the playoff picture but still showing plenty of fight, this matchup is shaping up to be an intriguing battle of pride, power, and youth.
For those looking to catch all the action, the game will be broadcast live on MASN and FDSSO, with streaming available through Fubo. And if you’re in Washington, D.C., why not grab a ticket and feel the late-summer energy at Nationals Park? The weather is expected to be warm with overcast clouds and a light breeze—perfect conditions for some September baseball.
Let’s set the stage: The Braves, coming off a resounding 8–3 win over the Houston Astros, are looking to keep their bats hot. Matt Olson and Sandy León both homered in that contest, giving Atlanta’s offense a much-needed boost after a tough stretch. The Braves have shown flashes of their offensive potential all year, ranking 12th in batting average and launching 167 home runs—good for 16th in the majors. They’re also patient at the plate, drawing 517 walks, which ranks fourth in MLB. But can they keep that momentum going against a Nationals squad that’s been feisty in September?
On the mound for Atlanta is Spencer Strider, making his 21st start of the season. Strider’s record may not jump off the page (5-13, 4.86 ERA), but his strikeout numbers are eye-popping. The right-hander has racked up 1,291 strikeouts this year, placing him 10th in the league. In his most recent outing on September 9 against the Cubs, Strider delivered a solid performance: six innings, two earned runs, six hits, and eight punchouts. He’s been trending upward, posting a 3.00 ERA over his last three starts after a rocky August. If Strider can keep the ball in the park and minimize free passes, Atlanta has a real shot to control the tempo early.
At the plate, the Braves are led by Matt Olson, who boasts a .273 batting average, 25 home runs, and 83 RBIs. Ozzie Albies continues to be a steady contributor, with a .239 average, 16 homers, and 68 RBIs. Michael Harris II has chipped in with a .239/.258/.390 slash line. Injuries have taken their toll, with Sean Murphy (right hip labral tear) and Jake Fraley (right oblique strain) both on the 10-day IL, but Atlanta’s depth has allowed them to stay competitive. Chris Sale, another key arm, has posted a 2.52 ERA with five wins and five losses, giving the Braves some stability in the rotation.
On the other side, the Nationals are riding a September surge, going 9-4 so far this month, including a gritty 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Daylen Lile, one of Washington’s young sparks, is batting a scorching .415 over his last 14 games, providing a jolt near the top of the order. The Nationals’ offense isn’t built on power—they’ve hit 142 home runs (27th in MLB)—but they’re eighth in doubles (245) and eighth in stolen bases (123). That combination of speed and contact hitting can frustrate even the best pitching staffs.
Mitchell Parker gets the nod for Washington, making his 30th start of the campaign. Parker enters with an 8-15 record and a 5.69 ERA, but he’s coming off a strong outing against the Miami Marlins, where he tossed 7.2 innings of two-run ball with just four hits allowed. The 25-year-old lefty has a 1.441 WHIP and a 1.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 29 games this season. He’s 2-0 in his career against Atlanta with a 4.63 ERA, though he hasn’t faced them in 2025. If Parker can keep Braves hitters off balance, the Nationals could be in for another close contest.
Offensively, C.J. Abrams leads the Nationals with a .262 batting average and a .323 on-base percentage, while James Wood has emerged as the team’s primary power threat, slugging 27 home runs and driving in 88 runs with a .259 average. Luis Garcia has quietly put together a solid year, batting .258 with 27 doubles, a triple, and 13 home runs. Jose A. Ferrer, expected to be available after resting Sunday, brings a 4.09 ERA to the bullpen, giving Washington some late-inning options. The Nationals’ pitching staff, however, has struggled overall, with a 5.28 ERA (29th in MLB) and a 1.432 WHIP (third-highest in the majors).
Injuries have hit both squads. For the Nationals, Cole Henry (back strain) is on the 15-day IL, and Josiah Gray (elbow injury) is out for the season. The Braves, as mentioned, are missing Murphy and Fraley. These absences have forced both managers to get creative with lineups and bullpen usage, especially with a doubleheader looming in this four-game, three-day series.
Recent history between these two clubs suggests a tightly contested affair. In their last five meetings, the Nationals have taken three games, including a wild 8-7 win on May 23 and a 5-3 win just two days prior. The Braves responded with 5-2 victories on May 14 and 15, showing their resilience. With so many one-run games and late-inning drama, fans should expect the unexpected when these teams square off.
Statistically, the Braves hold the edge on the mound, boasting a 4.47 team ERA compared to the Nationals’ 5.28. Atlanta’s pitching staff also ranks better in WHIP, sitting at 1.319 (20th in MLB) versus Washington’s 1.432. Offensively, the teams are quite similar: Atlanta averages 4.34 runs per game (17th), while Washington is just behind at 4.28 (20th). The Braves’ .242 batting average (21st) is nearly identical to the Nationals’ .244 (18th), and both teams have slugging percentages hovering around .390.
Betting markets have the Braves favored at –154 on the moneyline, with the Nationals at +129. The over/under is set at nine runs, and given the pitching matchups and the teams’ recent offensive performances, oddsmakers are leaning toward a high-scoring affair. Late-inning performance and bullpen stability could be the difference, especially with both starters capable of going deep but also prone to trouble if they fall behind in counts.
With the Braves aiming to build on their recent offensive outburst and the Nationals looking to extend their September hot streak, all signs point to a competitive, entertaining game in the nation’s capital. Whether you’re tuning in for the pitching duel, the emerging young stars, or just the thrill of late-season baseball, this matchup has something for everyone. The series opener is sure to set the tone for what could be a memorable set between two proud franchises playing for more than just the standings.
