Shelby Miller (5-2, 2.02 ERA) starts for the Atlanta Braves (32-34) as they square off against Clay Buchholz (3-6, 4.22 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (28-39) in the second of a two-game series at Turner Field. The Braves won the last game 5-2 and Atlanta leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jun. 18 and can be seen on NESN and SPSO.
Miller pitched 6.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-3 defeat to the Mets. Cameron Maybin (.296, 26 Rs, 5 HRs, 33 RBIs, 12 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one RBI, and one stolen base. When pitching against the Braves, Buchholz is 0-0 with an 18.00 ERA, 4.00 WHIP, and four strikeouts. Brock Holt (.314, 20 Rs, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Atlanta is a -116 favorite against Boston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Braves have recorded an overall money line of +250 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 9-6. Atlanta has gone winless in its last 10 as the favorite. The Braves have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in offense with 4.3 runs per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Boston has a 9-12 record and an overall money line of -1,744. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-2 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Red Sox have really picked up the pace in interleague games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.9 runs per game by averaging 6.1 in those contests. Boston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.2 per game, ranking third in the AL.
The Braves lead the season series, 2-1. The Braves have a 27-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Buchholz takes the mound. Miller (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 20-28 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ATL, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Red Sox play into extra innings, they have a 2-2 record. The Braves are 2-3 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Red Sox managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Braves who are heading in with a 5-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 24-12. The Red Sox have a 24-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th in runs, Boston has earned 260 this season. Atlanta ranks 10th with 283 runs.
Ranking 12th, Atlanta is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 201 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 214.
When the Braves hit at least one home run, they are 19-11. When the Red Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 21-22 record.
