Phillies vs. Braves Prediction
The Philadelphia Phillies trail the host Atlanta Braves by 5.5 games in the NL East standings and are in need of a sweep of the four-game series beginning tonight. Can Philadelphia trim its deficit in the division to 4.5 games with a victory?
Game Snapshot
905 Philadelphia Phillies at 906 Atlanta Braves
Thursday, September 20, 2018
SunTrust Park at 7:35PM ET
TV: MLB Network
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Braves are a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Phillies are a +135 underdog, while the total is set at 8.5 runs. As of Thursday afternoon, 79 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Atlanta. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Philly shuts out Mets
Philadelphia won the last two games of its three-game series at home versus New York with a 4-0 victory Wednesday night. Zach Eflin threw five shutout innings to pick up the win as he allowed three hits with nine strikeouts and three walks. Rhys Hoskins helped pace the offense by going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double. Carlos Santana was 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. Wilson Ramos was 2-for-4 with a run. Odubel Herrera finished 1-for-2 with a 2-run homer.
Braves snap four-game skid
Atlanta ended its four-game losing streak Wednesday afternoon with a 7-3 home triumph over St. Louis. Ender Inciarte helped lead the offense as he was 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, a stolen base and three runs. Freddie Freeman finished 3-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBIs. Tyler Flowers was 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two runs. Toukki Toussaint earned the win as he gave up two earned runs on five hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over 5 2/3 innings.
Vince Velasquez (9-11, 4.50 ERA) will start today for the Phillies, while the Braves will turn to Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.92).
MLB Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The Phillies are 7-1 in their last eight Thursday games. Philadelphia is 3-10 in its last 13 series openers.
Atlanta
The Braves are 5-1 in their last six games following a win. Atlanta is 4-0 in Gausman’s last four home starts.
Prediction:
I’d really love to pick Philadelphia all weekend, because who doesn’t love division drama? But I can’t trust Velasquez and Gausman has been solid in most of his home starts with the Braves. I’m going with the Braves here as they make their lead basically insurmountable in the NL East.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ATLANTA BAVES -145