Braves, Nationals Set for Afternoon Finale in Washington

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals will wrap up their four-game series with an afternoon contest Thursday at Nationals Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a temperature around 71 degrees.

The Braves (16-8) will send left-hander Chris Sale (4-1) to the mound. Sale has been a stabilizing force in Atlanta’s rotation this season. He will be opposed by Washington right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1), who is still seeking his first win of 2026.

Atlanta took two of the first three games of this series, including an 8-4 victory Wednesday. The series has seen offensive fireworks, with the Nationals (11-13) winning 11-4 on Tuesday.

A player to watch for the Braves is reliever José Suarez. In Tuesday’s loss, he provided three scoreless innings of relief, striking out four. For the Nationals, infielder Luis García Jr. drove in three runs in that same game, part of a recent stretch where he has shown timely power.

The Nationals will look to salvage a series split before heading to Chicago for a weekend set with the White Sox. The Braves, who lead the NL East, return home to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Braves 7, Nationals 5. Atlanta is a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5, and the over/under is set at 9 runs.

Thursday’s matchup features a clear contrast in starting pitching experience. Sale, a veteran with a proven track record, will aim to continue his strong start. Cavalli, meanwhile, will try to navigate a potent Atlanta lineup and help his team even the series.

The forecast calls for calm conditions, which could favor hitters in the typically pitcher-friendly Nationals Park. Both bullpens have been worked heavily during this series, putting a potential premium on length from the starters.

Following the game, the Nationals embark on a six-game road trip, while the Braves begin a 10-game homestand.