Atlanta Braves vs Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Predictions August 7th 2024

Braves’ Chris Sale, Brewers’ Freddy Peralta set for rematch

Wednesday’s forecast in Atlanta calls for cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 90’s. First pitch from Truist Park is set for 7:20 PM ET. Milwaukee is 63-49 and is starting Freddy Peralta, while the Braves are 60-52 and will have Chris Sale on the mound.

The over/under line for this NL matchup is at 8 runs, and the Braves are favored on the money line, with their odds sitting at -159. This game will be televised on BSSO.

Milwaukee vs. Atlanta Key Information

• Teams: Brewers at Braves
• Where: Truist Park Atlanta
• Date: Wednesday, August 7th
• Betting Odds ATL -159 | MIL +134 O/U 8

The Brewers Can Win If…

Milwaukee is sending Freddy Peralta to the mound today vs. the Braves. He comes into the game with a record of 6-6 and an ERA of 3.89. So far this season, Peralta has made 22 starts, and opponents are batting .210 off him this year. Peralta has made nine quality starts this year and is averaging 11.14 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last outing, Peralta finished with a no-decision, giving up two earned runs in six innings of work. Before that, he had given up at least three earned runs in three straight starts. The right-hander has allowed 18 home runs this season.

As a team, the Brewers are averaging 4.8 runs per game, which is good for 9th in the league. They have been even better at home, averaging 4.9 runs per contest. Overall, they are batting .255 as a team, which is 6th in the league. The Brewers are also one of the league’s best teams at getting on base, with a team OBP of .332, which is 2nd in the MLB.

Willy Adames and Rhys Hoskins are the Brewers’ top power threats this season, as they are tied for the team lead with 19 homers. Adames is also 8th in the league in RBIs, while Hoskins is 3rd on the team in RBIs. Milwaukee’s most consistent hitter this season has been William Contreras, who is batting .283 and has 12 homers.

• The Brewers are 4-6 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Brewers are 2-3 vs. the run line.
• Milwaukee has an over/under record of 7-2-1 in their last ten games.
• The Brewers have an average of 5.4 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Brewers are 7-3
• Looking back across the Brewers last five games as the favorite, they are 3-2
• Milwaukee has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Brewers have averaged 5.5 runs per game on offense

The Braves Can Win If…

Chris Sale gets the start for the Braves today and comes into the game with a record of 13-3 and ERA of 2.71. He has made 20 starts this year and has pitched well, as he has a WHIP of .95 and has issued just 2.05 walks per nine innings. Sale has made 11 quality starts this year and is averaging 11.34 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last outing, Sale finished with a no-decision, giving up two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of work. Before that, he had won two straight starts. The left-hander has been especially tough at home, going 8-0 with a 3.40 ERA.

As a team, the Braves are averaging 4.2 runs per game, which is 21st in the MLB. Their home and road splits are very similar, with the team averaging 4.1 runs per game at home and 4.3 runs per game on the road. Atlanta’s offense is 8th in the league in home runs, and they have the 12th best slugging percentage in the league.

Marcell Ozuna has been the Braves’ top hitter this season, batting .297 with 32 home runs and 86 RBIs. He is currently on a four-game hitting streak. Matt Olson is also a power threat in the lineup, as he has 18 homers but is batting just .228 for the year. Olson has three homers in his past eight games.

• The Braves are 6-4 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Braves are 2-3 vs. the run line.
• Atlanta has an over/under record of 4-6 in their last ten games.
• The Braves have an average of 2.4 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Braves are 6-4
• Looking back across the Braves last five games as the favorite, they are 2-3
• Atlanta has gone 0-3 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Braves have averaged 4.5 runs per game on offense

The Lean

Looking at the way we are leaning for a money-line pick in this Braves vs. Brewers matchup, we are leaning towards the Brewers to come out on top. As for how we would play the over/under line, we would go with the over, as this is our lowest projected scoring game of the day. Chris Sale has the highest innings pitched projection in the league today, but we still have the Brewers coming out on top, and Freddy Peralta has the 3rd best strikeout projection among today’s starters.

Baseball fans are in for a treat as the Atlanta Braves host the Milwaukee Brewers in the second game of their three-game series, featuring a thrilling rematch between veteran pitchers Chris Sale and Freddy Peralta. With both teams eager to gain an upper hand in the season series, this showdown promises to deliver excitement and drama. The game is set to unfold at Truist Park, adding another layer of intrigue to this National League clash.

Chris Sale vs. Freddy Peralta: A Clash of Veterans

Chris Sale: Consistency and Mastery on the Mound

Chris Sale has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves’ pitching staff this season, boasting an impressive 13-3 record with a 2.71 ERA. Leading the National League in wins, Sale’s performance has been marked by consistency and resilience. In his last outing against the Brewers, he pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs in the first inning but recovering to shut down Milwaukee’s offense thereafter. Sale’s ability to remain composed under pressure is a testament to his experience and skill.

• Recent Performance: Sale has not allowed more than two runs in any of his past nine starts, underscoring his effectiveness and reliability.
• Career vs. Brewers: Sale holds a 1-0 record with a 1.66 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.

Freddy Peralta: Potential for Dominance

Freddy Peralta, the right-hander for the Brewers, enters the game with a 6-6 record and a 3.89 ERA. Despite not having secured a win since June 30, Peralta showcased his potential in his recent start against the Braves, where he pitched six innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out seven batters. His ability to deliver powerful performances makes him a formidable opponent.

• Career vs. Braves: Peralta’s record against Atlanta is 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA over seven appearances, indicating a mixed history but also the potential for success.

Game Context and Series Dynamics

Milwaukee’s Momentum and Offensive Power

The Brewers opened the series with a commanding 10-0 victory, evening the season series at 2-2. Willy Adames was a standout performer, going 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs. His contributions highlight Milwaukee’s offensive capabilities, which they will look to leverage against Sale.

• Key Players: Willy Adames leads the team with 19 home runs and ranks fifth in the National League with 75 RBIs. Garrett Mitchell has also been a key contributor, batting .348 over his last 16 games after returning from injury.

Atlanta’s Challenges and Opportunities

The Braves have faced recent struggles at the plate, having been shut out in their last two games. This uncharacteristic drought is something Atlanta will need to address to bounce back against the Brewers.

• Offensive Woes: The Braves have been outscored 20-0 over the past 24 innings, indicating a need for a spark in their lineup.
• Potential Boost: The anticipated return of center fielder Michael Harris could provide a much-needed lift. His rehab performance was promising, signaling readiness to rejoin the team.

Key Players to Watch

Willy Adames: Milwaukee’s Powerhouse

Willy Adames is a central figure in the Brewers’ lineup, providing both power and consistency. His ability to deliver in clutch situations makes him a player to watch in the rematch.

• Recent Achievements: Adames’ two home runs in the series opener underscore his capacity to change the game with a single swing.

Garrett Mitchell: Rising Star

Garrett Mitchell’s impressive form since returning from injury has been a boon for Milwaukee. His approach to the game—focusing on each day individually—has translated into tangible success on the field.

• Injury Comeback: Mitchell’s resilience and performance post-injury demonstrate his value to the team and his potential impact in the series.

Rhys Hoskins: Atlanta’s Consistent Contributor

Rhys Hoskins extended his hitting streak to 11 games, providing a reliable offensive option for the Braves. His consistency at the plate is crucial for Atlanta’s chances against Peralta.

• Hitting Streak: Hoskins’ ability to maintain his streak amid team struggles highlights his importance to Atlanta’s offensive efforts.

Injury Updates and Team News

Michael Harris: A Key Return for Atlanta

Michael Harris’ return from the injured list could be a pivotal moment for the Braves. After missing significant time due to a strained left hamstring, Harris is close to rejoining the lineup.

• Rehab Success: Harris’ performance in Triple-A Gwinnett suggests he is ready to make an impact upon his return, potentially as soon as August 14.

Travis d’Arnaud and Orlando Arcia: Streaks and Slumps

• Travis d’Arnaud: The catcher’s 10-game hitting streak came to an end, reflecting the broader struggles of the Braves’ offense.
• Orlando Arcia: Despite going hitless, Arcia extended his on-base streak to 18 games, showcasing his ability to contribute in varied ways.

Strategies and Expectations

Milwaukee’s Offensive Strategy

• Capitalizing on Momentum: The Brewers will aim to maintain their offensive momentum, building on their recent success against the Braves.
• Targeting Weaknesses: Milwaukee will focus on exploiting any vulnerabilities in Sale’s pitching, aiming to disrupt his rhythm early in the game.

Atlanta’s Path to Victory

• Breaking the Drought: The Braves must find ways to end their scoring drought and regain confidence at the plate.
• Leveraging Home Advantage: Playing at Truist Park offers the Braves an opportunity to harness home-field energy and turn the tide in their favor.

Conclusion

The rematch between Chris Sale and Freddy Peralta is set to be an exciting and competitive encounter, with both pitchers bringing unique strengths to the mound. As the Braves look to overcome their recent challenges and the Brewers aim to continue their offensive success, fans can expect a thrilling showdown in Atlanta. This game not only carries implications for the current series but also sets the stage for future encounters between these National League teams.

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