Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies 8/31/24 – It is another slow Saturday evening, with the Atlanta Braves (73-61) getting ready and heading to Philadelphia to whip the Philadelphia Phillies (79-55). It is a battle of heavyweight NL East aspirants, and as it is always with sporting events, there is much to play for. With all its excitement, Citizens Bank Park is the setting of this duel, which shows both teams’ current quests for post–season places besides showing how closely matched the two teams are. This game provides an enticing betting prospect for fans visiting top-tier casino sites searching for exciting baseball games.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies 8/31/24
| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:15 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Citizens Bank Park |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies 8/31/24
| Team | RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | +1.5 (-179) | 8 over (-108) | +122 |  |
| Phillies | -1.5 (+143) | 8 under (-119) | -145 | |
| ||||
Friday night W!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/2Hxp3wAemi
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 31, 2024
The current betting odds favor the Phillies as slight home favorites, reflective of their superior record and recent form. The Braves, however, are not far behind and could offer value at their underdog price, especially given the generous +1.5 run line. Bettors should consider the total score line carefully; with both teams tending towards high-scoring games in this matchup historically, the Over might be tempting.
Max Fried (8-7, 3.5 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.74 ERA)
Max Fried is lefty number one for Atlanta’s pitching staff. He comes into this game with a decent but low-key season record. He has pitched a total of 133.2 innings with an earned run average of 3.5, therefore showing both endurance and fragility. For example, he has recorded 126 strikeouts yet still has a manageable 1.2 WHIP, indicative of control of games by the pitcher, but on the contrary, he has given up ten home runs, indicating clashes with power hitters.
This has not been the case, however, for Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, who has turned out to be phenomenal this season. Having a 2.74 ERA and an outstanding WHIP of 1.0 over 160.2 innings of pitching, Wheeler is one of the more dominant pitchers in the game through control and accuracy. He has achieved 176 strikeouts versus 45 walks, which means he has the potential to give the Braves batting line a torrid time on the mound.
Braves at Bat: Navigating Phillies’ Pitching
The Braves’ offensive metrics this season have been decent but not overwhelming. With a team batting average of .242 and a slugging percentage of .415, they have shown the ability to get on base and do damage. However, their consistency at the plate will be tested against Wheeler’s precision. Key players will need to step up and find gaps in Wheeler’s armor to tilt the scales.
Phillies’ Offensive Powerhouse
Philadelphia’s lineup, boasting a .258 batting average and .421 slugging percentage, has been more consistent at producing runs. Their slightly better on-base percentage (.327) compared to Atlanta (.307) suggests they could have more opportunities to score, especially with players like Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto potentially making pivotal contributions.
Trends
Atlanta Braves Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games.
Atlanta are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Braves are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against Philadelphia.
Atlanta are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends
Philadelphia are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games against Atlanta.
Philadelphia are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta.
Philadelphia are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the National League.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Prediction
Based on the history and facts, this game promises to be a tough battle with only the slightest of advantages to the Phillies owing to the local support and Wheeler’s present form. Still, looking at how the Braves performed in the last games of the season and on the road in general, they will not concede easily. High score in this game, but should the Braves put Wheeler on the back foot, then this could turn into a brawl in their favor.
All in all, the Phillies are a better choice, judging by the performance in the season, however, it is the Braves that are worth the risk as an underdog, particularly with the +1.5 run line. Other interesting bets may include prop bets on total strikeouts for Wheeler and total runs scored by the Phillies. Where those looking for a free baseball prediction today can also consider the option total. OVER seems much more reasonable taking into account the statistic and the potential of both teams.
Score Prediction: Phillies 5, Braves 3.
