Braves vs Pirates MLB Spread, Predictions & Betting Pick

Braves vs Pirates MLB Spread, Predictions & Betting Pick

Written by on June 5, 2019

In sports, timing is very often everything when it comes to a pair of teams hooking up for a series. One team may be markedly better than another, or perhaps they are very similarly matched, but the outcome of any given series very often hinges on how each team is playing at that given time. Over the course of the long 162-game season in the MLB, every team will have their fair share of ups and downs, winning and losing streaks; it’s what they do during those times that really matters.

The Atlanta Braves are a team that appear to be trending upward at the moment, so they will be looking to take advantage of a Philadelphia Pirates team that is navigating some choppy waters right now. It was the Braves who came out and won big on the road in the opening game of this series, but can they come out on Wednesday and build on that win with another strong performance? The bookies have Atlanta in as a 1 ½ run favorite, with the run total for this one set at 9 ½.

Braves vs Pirates MLB Spread, Predictions & Betting Pick

Why bet on the Atlanta Braves?

As we mentioned at the top of this piece, it’s important to go in and take advantage of a team when they are down. You do not want to be the team that is responsible for letting an opponent break out of a rough patch of form. It was certainly a job well done by the Atlanta Braves in that regard, as they came out on Tuesday and totally dominated the Pirates, winning 12-5 in the series opener.

The Braves are starting to put together a nice little run here, as that win takes them to 3 wins in a row and 6-4 in their last 10. That run, combined with a Phillies skid, has the Braves within a ½ game of the NL East lead. Atlanta have actually been better on the road, going 17-12 SU, as well as 9-4 ATS as a road favorite. They will send Kevin Gausman (2-4, 5.56 ERA) to the mound for this one.

Team Statistics

Offense:

  • Runs: 5.05
  • Hits: 8.88
  • Walks: 3.60
  • Strike Outs: 8.48

Defense:

  • Runs: 4.80
  • Hits: 8.33
  • Walks: 3.92
  • Strike Outs: 8.75

Why bet on the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Are the Pirates a secure MLB odds pick in Game 2 vs the Braves?

The Pirates have had a bit of a yo-yo start to the season, bouncing up and down the NL Central standings as they struggle to maintain any level of consistency. The good news for the Pirates is that they are playing in a division where every team seems to be experiencing the same problem. The Pirates have now lost 3 in a row and are just 3-7 in their last 10 games, but even with that, they are only 5 ½ games out of first in the division.

That said, they are still 3 games below .500 at 28-31 on the season, which is not going to get the job done, and they are also a mere 11-18 SU at home. As a home dog, the Pirates are 3-9 ATS. They will send Joe Musgrove (3-6, 4.57 ERA) to the mound for this one.

Team Statistics

Offense:

  • Runs: 4.24
  • Hits: 8.97
  • Walks: 2.73
  • Strike Outs: 8.31

Defense:

  • Runs: 5.51
  • Hits: 9.03
  • Walks: 3.63
  • Strike Outs: 8.86

Braves vs Pirates MLB Betting Trends

  • Braves are 12-6 SU in the last 18 games
  • The total went OVER in 5 of of the Braves last 5 games
  • Pirates are 1-4 SU in the last 5 games
  • The total went OVER in 4 of the Pirates’ last 5 games

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Braves vs Pirates

I like the Braves to go out and get the win again on Wednesday night, but I think we are looking at a closer game with a lot of scoring. I’m taking the Pirates ATS and the OVER.

Atlanta Braves 6 Pittsburgh Pirates 5