Shelby Miller (5-9, 2.48 ERA) gets the start for the Atlanta Braves (52-64) as they meet Rubby De La Rosa (10-5, 4.55 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (57-58) in the last of a three-game series at Turner Field. The Diamondbacks won the last game 8-4 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 16 and will air on FSAZ and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Miller pitched 5.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking three in a 4-1 loss to the Marlins. The Diamondbacks were victorious over the Phillies 13-3 the last time De La Rosa pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking one. Paul Goldschmidt (.341, 75 Rs, 22 HRs, 86 RBIs, 19 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Diamondbacks, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run and two RBIs.
Atlanta is a slight +100 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. When playing as the underdog, the Braves have a 39-53 record and overall money line at -98. The Braves are a dangerous hitting team with 277 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, leading the NL with an average of only 6.7 strikeouts per game.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Diamondbacks come into this game with a win percentage of .500 when playing as the favorite (22-22) and an overall money line of +113. The Diamondbacks are the number one overall scoring offense in the NL, averaging 4.5 runs per game so far. One of the top hitting teams in the NL are the Diamondbacks, who average 9.3 hits per game. Arizona is a terror on the base paths, ranking second in the MLB with 101 stolen bases.
In their previous five games this season, the Diamondbacks have a 3-2 record. This game will feature De La Rosa (RHP) on the mound against the Braves, who have a 44-51 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Miller will take the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 44-43 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, O/U – Over
Notes
The Braves managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 30-15 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-45. The Diamondbacks have a 12-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 72 this season. Arizona ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 104.
Ranking eighth, Atlanta is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.56 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at second with 9.29.
Ranking 29th, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.678). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .740.
When the Diamondbacks allow at least one home run, they are 28-48, well-matched with the Braves who are 20-44 when allowing at least one homer.
