Atlanta Braves at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions
The Atlanta Braves (57-27) and the Cleveland Guardians (41-43) play the middle contest of a 3-game interleague series Tuesday at Progressive Field. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Braves lead 1-0 after doubling up the Guardians 4-2 Monday
The Braves extended their winning streak to 9 games with Monday’s 4-2 win behind RHP Bryce Elder. The Braves offense is on fire, and on an extended hot streak, too.
Atlanta has plated 60 runs in the win streak, good for an average of 6.7 runs per game (RPG). The Braves have averaged 6.6 RPG across the past 27 games dating back to June 3.
It was a rare loss for a Guardians club that is still a solid 9-5 across its last 14 outings dating back to June 18. The loss slipped Cleveland to 11-17 in interleague games and dropped it to .500 (20-20) at home.
The Braves improved to 17-13 in interleague play with the victory, while running their impressive road record to 27-12. Atlanta leads the NL and is 3rd in the majors with a plus-141 run differential.
Braves at Guardians projected starters
LHP Kolby Allard vs. RHP Shane Bieber
Allard (0-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 0.86 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 15.4 K/9 in 4 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 8 K in a 3-0 home win vs. the Minnesota Twins Wednesday
- Started the season on the 60-day injured list due to a Grade 2 oblique strain suffered in the spring
Bieber (5-5, 3.48 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 through 106 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 K in a 4-3 road loss vs. the Kansas City Royals Thursday
- 2023 home splits: 4-2, 2.51 ERA (43 IP, 12 ER – 2 HR), 16 BB, 38 K, .214 OBA in 7 starts
Braves at Guardians odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:44 a.m. ET.
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Braves at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Guardians 4, Braves 3
The GUARDIANS (+105) are a solid play as home underdogs against the red-hot Braves. Atlanta has won 9 in a row but it turns to the southpaw Allard Tuesday as he builds back his stamina in just his 2nd start.
Cleveland counters with the Opening Day starter Bieber, who has some sparkling home numbers.
The GUARDIANS +1.5 (-155) aren’t priced out of line if you’d like a little insurance and don’t want to play them straight up against the Braves and their 9-game win streak.
Cleveland failed to cover the run line as an underdog Monday, but the Guardians are 3-2 in the past 5 as an underdog and won all 3 of those games outright.
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UNDER 8.5 (+100) is a decent play at even money.
Allard didn’t even last long enough to qualify for the win in his 1st outing of the season last time out, but he also didn’t allow any runs.
Bieber has seen the Under cash at a 4-3-1 clip in his past 8 starts while going 5-2 in his 7 home outings.
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