A Classic NL East Rivalry Resumes
(September 22, 2025) The Atlanta Braves (73-83) welcome the Washington Nationals (64-92) to Truist Park on Monday night, kicking off a three-game series. It’s been a rocky season for both clubs, but rivalry matchups always carry juice – especially when Chris Sale and MacKenzie Gore square off on the mound.
For the Braves, it’s about closing the season with pride and giving fans glimpses of what’s to come in 2026. For the Nationals, it’s about finding bright spots in a year that hasn’t offered many. And for fans? It’s another chance to soak up October-adjacent baseball before the postseason spotlight hits elsewhere.
Pitching Matchup: Sale vs. Gore
Chris Sale (5-5, 2.35 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 150 strikeouts) has been a steady force when healthy. His command and veteran presence bring a much-needed anchor to Atlanta’s rotation.
MacKenzie Gore (5-14, 4.00 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 182 strikeouts) has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. His strikeout numbers are impressive, but his record tells the story of a Nationals staff that too often gives up the long ball.
This matchup pits a savvy veteran against a young arm still trying to find his footing. Expect strikeouts on both sides – and maybe some fireworks if either pitcher misses their spots.
Braves’ Hot Bats Lead the Way
Atlanta enters the series hot, winning eight of their last 10 games while hitting .285 as a team. Ronald Acuña Jr. looks locked in again, going 14-for-38 with three homers and five RBI in his last 10 games. Matt Olson continues to be the steady bat, slashing .279 with 28 home runs and 93 RBI on the season.
The key stat? The Braves have outscored opponents by 28 runs over their last 10. That offensive rhythm makes them dangerous, even if their overall record doesn’t scream “contender.”
Nationals Searching for Positives
The Nationals, meanwhile, limp in at 4-6 over their last 10 games with a team batting average of just .210. Still, there are sparks: C.J. Abrams has been one of Washington’s few consistent threats, while Daylen Lile is starting to show promise with 11 hits in his last 33 at-bats.
But the glaring stat? Washington has gone 30-73 when allowing at least one home run. Against a Braves lineup that thrives on power, that’s a red flag.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Pitching Spotlight: Sale vs. Gore offers strikeout potential but contrasting career arcs.
- Atlanta Momentum: Braves are surging with hot bats, making them tough at home.
- Nationals’ Challenge: Limiting homers is the only way Washington stays in this series.
- Series Edge: Braves lead the season series 7-3 and have the mental edge heading into Game 11.
Join the Conversation
The Braves-Nationals series might not decide playoff fates, but it’s a reminder of what makes baseball great – rivalry, pride, and the daily grind. Atlanta looks poised to close strong, while Washington continues searching for building blocks.
Who do you think takes the opener – Sale’s steady hand or Gore’s electric arm? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation at forty4 Talks Baseball.
