Pirates vs. Braves Prediction
The Atlanta Braves have dropped their last two games, but still hold a three-game lead in the NL East standings. Will Atlanta return to the winner’s circle as it opens a series tonight at home versus the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Game Snapshot
905 Pittsburgh Pirates at 906 Atlanta Braves
Friday, August 31, 2018
SunTrust Park at 7:35PM ET
TV: FSSO (ATL)
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow, the Braves are a -124 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +114 underdog, while the total is set at 8 runs. As of Friday morning, 75 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Atlanta. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Pirates shut out in finals at Cards
Pittsburgh could not muster a run Thursday as it fell 5-0 at St. Louis to drop two of three in the series. Starling Marte had half the Pirates hits as he finished 3-for-5. Josh Bell was 1-for-2 with a double and a pair of walks. Adam Frazier finished 1-for-3 with two walks. Joe Musgrove suffered the loss as he allowed five earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and a walk over six innings.
Braves drop home makeup game
Atlanta fell 5-4 in a home game versus the Cubs Thursday night, made up from a May 17 rainout. Ronald Acuna Jr. paced the Braves as he was 3-for-5 with two runs from the leadoff spot. Johan Camargo ended the game 2-for-3 with a run. Freddie Freeman finished 2-for-4 with a double, a run and three RBIs. Mike Foltynewicz took the loss as he gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks over six innings.
Jameson Taillon (10-9, 3.49 ERA) will take the mound tonight for Pittsburgh, while Atlanta turns to Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.05).
MLB Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The over is 7-1-1 in the last nine Pirates games on Fridays. Pittsburgh is 2-7 in its last nine games overall.
Atlanta
The under is 9-3 in the last 12 Braves games overall. Atlanta is 5-14 in its last 19 Friday games.
Prediction:
The Pirates haven’t played well lately, but do throw their most consistent pitcher today. Sanchez has been solid for Atlanta and should limit the runs against him versus a struggling Pirates offense. I think the best play on the board is the under as I could easily see a 3-1 or 4-2 type of game here.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: PIRATES/BRAVES UNDER 8