Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox Picks and Predictions May 7th 2024

Braves Looking to Shake Off the Funk Against the Red Sox

Alright, the Atlanta Braves are kinda in a rough patch right now, and they’re gearing up to face the Boston Red Sox in a crucial two-game series kicking off this Tuesday. The stakes? High. The vibes? It’s time for a turnaround. After a bit of a beating from the LA Dodgers, who swept them clean, the Braves are super eager to get back to the kind of play we saw earlier this season.

What’s Up with the Teams?

So, here’s the scoop: the Braves started the season on fire, knocking out nearly 10 hits and averaging almost 6 runs per game in their first 24 showdowns. But, oh boy, the last eight games? Just 6.1 hits and 2.5 runs. Yep, it’s been a bit of a tumble from their spot at the top of the National League East.

On the flip side, the Red Sox are rolling into this series with a bit of swagger. They just demolished the Minnesota Twins 9-2, snapping their own three-game skid. Plus, they’ve kinda had Atlanta’s number, taking three out of four games last season.

Players to Watch

Let’s talk key players. The Braves have a few guys like Matt Olson and Austin Riley who, honestly, haven’t really found their groove yet. But don’t sleep on Marcell Ozuna or Ozzie Albies—they’re holding down the fort with some solid numbers.

For the Sox, keep your eyes on Kutter Crawford. This guy’s been a revelation, rocking a sleek 1.56 ERA with a 2-1 record to boot. He’s been clutch, especially over his last 11 starts.

Pitching Showdown

Pitching matchup alert! We’ve got Kutter Crawford for Boston squaring off against Atlanta’s Reynaldo Lopez. Both pitchers are bringing their A-game this season, and Lopez is hungry for a comeback after a rough stint in Seattle where he gave up three runs in five innings.

Drama Alert: Grissom vs. His Old Squad

And get this, former Braves prospect Vaughn Grissom, who’s now with the Sox, is looking to make a splash. He’s back from a hamstring injury and just smashed a two-run double last Sunday. Plus, Chris Sale is pitching on Wednesday, adding another layer of intrigue since he’s tied up in that trade story involving Grissom.

Bottom Line

As the Braves take on the Red Sox, it’s more than just a game. It’s about overcoming recent hurdles and tapping into that early-season magic. Will the Braves use their home field to flip the script, or will the Red Sox keep riding their wave of momentum? Grab your popcorn, because this series is shaping up to be a must-watch.