The Atlanta Braves will be facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL Divisional Playoffs. The Dodgers currently have a 1-0 series lead, and the matchup will be nationally televised on Fox Sports One. The first pitch is scheduled for 9:37 p.m. ET.
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
Including the regular season, the Dodgers are 93-71 straight up (SU) and 75-88 against the spread (ATS). The team’s lost 21.5 units for moneyline bettors and 13.7 units (ATS). Los Angeles has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the total has gone over in four of those seven. The Braves are 90-73 SU and have gone 82-79 ATS. In total, the team’s gained 19.6 units for moneyline bettors, but have lost 1.0 unit ATS. Atlanta is 3-4 ATS over its last seven games and the total has gone under in five of those seven.
Neither side has established itself as a strong over/under bet this year. Los Angeles games have an over/under record of 77-77-9 in 2018. Atlanta has an over/under record of 77-78-6.
Anibal Sanchez is getting the start for the visiting Braves. The right-handed Sanchez (7-6, 2.83 ERA) has recorded 135 strikeouts in 136.2 innings so far. He’s 1-1 with nine strikeouts and a 4.63 ERA against Los Angeles this year (two starts).
The Dodgers are handing the ball to lefty Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73 ERA), who has 155 punchouts and 29 walks to his credit, as well as a 1.04 WHIP. Kershaw is 1-0 with eight strikeouts and a 1.17 ERA in one start against Atlanta this year.
Atlanta’s pitching staff allowed 4.1 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 3.53 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 8.70 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 4.12, along with a WHIP of 1.22 and a K/9 of 8.97.
The Braves offense has slashed .256/.326/.416 on its way to 4.7 runs scored per game this season, including 3.2 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 2.4 per game over the team’s last five outings (1-4 SU).
Atlanta’s offense has been fueled by first baseman Freddie Freeman and right fielder Nick Markakis. Freeman is slashing .309/.387/.503 with 23 home runs, 98 RBIs and 94 runs scored, while Markakis has a .297 average with 14 homers, 93 RBIs and 78 runs scored.
In the other dugout, Los Angeles’ pitching staff has given up 3.7 runs per game overall in 2018. The club’s starters have an ERA of 3.16, a WHIP of 1.11 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 9.5. The bullpen has a 3.70 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 9.7 K/9.
The Los Angeles offense has produced 4.9 runs per outing, including 7.2 per game over its last 10 games and 7.8 per game over its last five. The team’s hit .318/.402/.609 over its last five contests and is 5-0 SU during that span.
The Dodgers’ batters have been led by first baseman Cody Bellinger and right fielder Chris Taylor. Bellinger is slashing .259/.343/.468 with 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, 84 runs and 14 steals, and Taylor’s line is .254/.331/.444 with 17 homers, 63 RBIs and 85 runs.
The Dodgers are coming off a 6-0 win in Game 1 of the series.
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Dodgers, ATS Winner – Braves, O/U – OVER
