Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves

Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves (2026-08-02). Cade Cavalli vs Martín Pérez at Truist Park.

Starters — Cavalli has a 3.55 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 116.2 innings, with strong bat-missing ability at 10.03 K/9, solid control at 2.78 BB/9, and good home-run suppression at 0.77 HR/9. Over his last three starts, he has worked 18 innings with 4 earned runs allowed, 20 strikeouts, and 4 walks, including a six-inning shutout outing on July 22. His trend is down, but the recent game log still shows steady run prevention and swing-and-miss stuff. Pérez carries a 3.24 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 97.1 innings, with 6.93 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, and 1.02 HR/9. In his last three starts, he has logged 16 innings with 3 earned runs allowed, 13 strikeouts, and 7 walks, highlighted by seven scoreless innings on August 1. His trend is also down, though his recent results suggest he is still limiting damage even with more modest strikeout volume and shakier command than Cavalli.

Teams — Washington brings the stronger offensive profile on these numbers, posting a .772 OPS, a .252 average, and 605 runs scored. The concern for bettors is run prevention, as the Nationals have a 4.78 team ERA and 1.40 WHIP, and they are 4-6 over their last 10 games. Atlanta has a lower .732 OPS and .249 average with 545 runs, but the Braves have been the cleaner overall pitching team with a 3.69 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Their 7-3 mark over the last 10 games points to better recent form, and that bullpen and staff edge can matter if this game turns into a battle after the starters exit.