Zach Davies (9-4, 3.57 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (49-60) go up against Rob Whalen (1-0, 7.20 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (41-70) in the first of a four-game series at Miller Park. The game starts at 7:20 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 8 and will air on FSWI and FSSE.
In his most recent outing, Davies pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 3-2 victory over the Padres. The Braves were victorious over the Pirates 8-4 the last time Whalen pitched. He went 5.0 innings, giving up four runs, striking out five and walking four. Matt Kemp (.258, 58 Rs, 24 HRs, 73 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Milwaukee is a -163 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is nine runs. The Brewers are 16-13 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -378. They have been a terror on the base paths, leading all of baseball with 116 steals.
On the other side, the Braves have a subpar record of 38-60 when they are the underdog and are -672 overall with the money line. Atlanta has been playing better lately, averaging 4.9 runs per game, more than their season average of 3.6. The Braves average just 7.6 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the NL.
So far this season, the Brewers are 3-0 against the Braves. The Brewers will take on a right-hander (Whalen) in this game and have a 28-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Braves will be the right-hander Davies. They sport a 29-43 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIL, O/U – Over
Notes
Atlanta has won 35% (14-26) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Milwaukee has won 45% (21-26) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Atlanta batters brought in a solid 11 hits last game. Milwaukee has a record of 6-31 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 30-18. The Brewers have a 40-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 395 this season. Milwaukee ranks 24th with 446 runs.
Ranking 21st, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 318 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the top five at third with 417.
The Brewers are 38-27 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 23-25 when they hit at least one homer.
