The Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves will wrap up a three-game series on Thursday night. It's time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Nationals-Braves prediction and pick.

The Nationals have a huge chance to play spoiler to their division rival in this series finale. Washington has essentially been eliminated from postseason contention, but the Braves currently lead the NL East by 2.5 games. Another loss here would be a huge blow to Atlanta as the Philadelphia Phillies remain hot on their heels. With so much at stake in this one, expect to see some competitive baseball.

Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Thursday's game.

MLB Odds: Nationals-Braves Odds

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Washington Nationals +1 1/2 (-105)

Atlanta Braves -1 1/2 (-115)

Over 9 runs (-120)

Under 9 runs (+100)

Why The Nationals Could Cover The Spread

In order for Washington to cover here, their underrated offense will have to come up with a big game. The Nationals rank inside the top ten in the MLB in batting average, slugging percentage, and OBP. They've also been great in the month of September, earning a .265 batting average so far. This lineup should present a challenge for Braves starter Huascar Ynoa.

Ynoa has been great this season, but the Nationals have a couple of statistical edges as they head into this game. Ynoa allows a 9.6% barrel percentage and a 44.4% hard-hit percentage. Both numbers are on the higher end, and Washington has a number of hitters who score well in both categories. The Nationals should be able to hit for power in this difficult matchup against Ynoa.

Washington starter Erick Fedde hasn't been good this season, but there's some reason to believe that he can put together a decent performance. The righty is slightly better when pitching on the road, seeing his ERA drop from 5.40 at home to 5.16 anywhere else. It's not much, but everything counts against this high-powered Atlanta offense.

Why The Braves Could Cover The Spread

Despite a couple of statistical disadvantages, Ynoa is set to pitch a good game in this one. He's already faced the Nationals twice this season, pitching a combined 12 innings without allowing a single run. Ynoa is also significantly better at home, posting an ERA of .229 and only allowing a .160 batting average to his opponents in Truist Park. Only three Washington hitters have ever scored a hit off of him, so this game looks like a great opportunity for Ynoa to pitch a gem.

Atlanta's offense should keep this from being a low-scoring game. Fedde has been a fantastic matchup for the Braves, and that should continue in this game. The Nationals starter has faced Atlanta three times this season, lasting a combined ten innings while allowing 14 runs in that span. The Braves have seven projected starters that own a career batting average of .333 or higher against Fedde, inspiring further confidence in the Atlanta offense for this game. The Braves should have a great day at the plate for the series finale.

Final Nationals-Braves Prediction & Pick

This is a pretty clear-cut pick. Ynoa has dominated the Nationals every time he's faced them, and Fedde has been crushed by the Braves in every appearance against them. The only way Washington can cover here is with an offensive explosion, and that's doubtful against Ynoa. Take the Braves to cover with confidence.

FINAL PICK: Atlanta Braves -1 1/2 (-115)