Braves vs. Pirates Prediction
The Atlanta Braves prevailed in a pitcher’s duel yesterday in the series opener at the Pittsburgh Pirates. Will the hosts bounce back today to even the series or can Atlanta take a second straight game?
Game Snapshot
901 Atlanta Braves at 902 Pittsburgh Pirates
Monday, August 21, 2018
PNC Park at 7:05PM ET
TV: FSSE (ATL)
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow, the Braves are a -115 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +105 underdog, while the total is set at 7.5 runs. As of Tuesday morning, 63 percent of public bets are coming in on visiting Atlanta. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Wilson excels in MLB debut
Braves starting pitcher Bryse Wilson threw five shutout innings and earned the win in his MLB debut Monday to lead his squad to a 1-0 victory at Pittsburgh. He gave up three hits while striking out five and walking three. Dan Winkler allowed one hit and struck out two in the ninth inning to register his second save of the season. Freddie Freeman was 1-for-3 with a double and scored the game’s only run. Nick Markakis finished 1-for-4 with an RBI. Johan Camargo was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk. Dansby Swanson finished 1-for-3 plus a walk.
Archer leaves with left leg discomfort
Pittsburgh starting pitcher Chris Archer left yesterday’s game with a leg injury after four innings. He gave up one earned run on five hits with three strikeouts and a walk to take the loss. Gregory Polanco was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk to help lead the offense. Josh Bell and Francisco Cervelli were also 1-for-3 with a walk. Angel Hechavarria finished 2-for-4 with a double.
Kevin Gausman (7-9, 4.22 ERA) draws the start for Atlanta, while Ivan Nova (7-7, 4.26) goes for Pittsburgh.
MLB Betting Trends
Atlanta
The over is 22-10-1 in the last 33 Braves road games. The over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Pittsburgh
The Pirates are 3-9 in their last 12 Tuesday games. Pittsburgh is 2-6 in its last eight games overall.
Prediction:
Gausman will be well-rested for this start after being pushed back a day. He’s shown what he can offer to the Braves in his starts there so far and he’ll get to pitch tonight in a ballpark that helps limit offense. I’d expect the Atlanta offense to score a bit more tonight and with more to play for at this point of the season, I think the Braves will claim a second consecutive win in Pittsburgh.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ATLANTA BRAVES -115