Some of the best teams in the league come storming out of the gate, putting their pedal to the metal and never easing up until the final out of the season. Other take a little more time to slip into high gear, often fine-tuning their line-up to achieve the type of balance that will help them make a run at the World Series. This is why we see so many teams make moves at the trade deadline, and why some of the best second-half runs come after the line-up has been tweaked to perfection.
The Atlanta Braves came into the season as one of the favorites in the National League after having a breakthrough season last year. They are one of the teams that fall into the latter category mentioned a moment ago, but they are already making roster moves to try and tighten things up. The Braves have taken this first 2 games of this 4-game series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates and will be looking to take one step closer to the sweep on Wednesday night. Atlanta is favored by 1 ½ in their own ballpark, with the run total set at 9.
Pirates vs Braves MLB Betting Lines & Game Preview
- When: Wednesday, June 12 at 7:20 PM EST
- Where: SunTrust Park, Atlanta
- Starting Pitchers: Keller vs. Soroka
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Radio: 680 The Fan
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- MLB Odds: Atlanta Braves -225 (Total 8.5)
How to Bet Cubs vs Rockies MLB Spread & Analysis
Why bet on the Pittsburgh Pirates?
The Pirates will have come into this series feeling good about their chances after taking 2 of 3 from the Braves last week. It’s a totally different game on the road, though, and the Pirates have been shelled in the opening 2 games of this series, losing both and being outscored 20-12 in the process.
Those back to back losses to the Braves means that Pittsburgh are now on a run that has seen them lose 5 in a row and 8 of their last 10. They have also now dropped below .500 on the road, going to 17-18 SU on the season. That leaves them 7 ½ games out of first in the NL Central and losing ground by the day. They have recalled pitching prospect Mitch Keller (0-1, 13.50 ERA) to get the start in this one.
Team Stats
Offense
- Runs: 4.29
- Hits: 8.97
- Walks: 2.63
- Strike Outs: 8.43
Defense
- Runs: 5.58
- Hits: 9.11
- Walks: 3.74
- Strike Outs: 8.75
Why bet on the Atlanta Braves?
Don’t look now, but it appears as though the Braves are finally starting to come to life. They finished last week strong with a 3-game sweep of the Marlins over the weekend, and that momentum has spilled over into the new week, with Atlanta now on a 5-game win streak. They have now won 8 of their last 10 games and are sitting tied for the lead in the NL East. The two wins over the Pirates has also helped Atlanta get their home record looking a little more respectable at 18-15 SU.
They could still use some work against the spread, though, as they are 13-16 ATS as a home favorite. One man that has been consistently good for Atlanta all year is pitcher Mike Soroka (7-1, 1.38 ERA). He will get the start on Wednesday night.
Team Stats
Offense
- Runs: 5.09
- Hits: 8.88
- Walks: 3.67
- Strike Outs: 8.52
Defense
- Runs: 4.77
- Hits: 8.44
- Walks: 3.71
- Strike Outs: 8.79
Reds vs Indians MLB Week 11 Lines & Expert Pick
Pirates vs Braves MLB Betting Trends
- Pirates are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
- The total has gone OVER in 14 of Pittsburgh’s last 20 games against an opponent in the National League
- Braves are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games this season
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta’s last 6 games at home
- Atlanta is 3-2 against Pittsburgh this season
- 4 of 5 games in this series have gone Over the Total this season
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Pirates vs Braves
What we have here is a pitching match-up that leans very heavily in the favor of the Atlanta Braves. Soroka simply hasn’t had an off night all year, so I don’t expect him to suddenly have one here.
Score: Pittsburgh Pirates 1 – Atlanta Braves 6
