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The Atlanta Braves have made a statement that they are still the team to beat in the NL East. In game one of this series, Atlanta pounced on the Phillies' bullpen. Then they knocked around Aaron Nola in game two.
Atlanta has put itself in a great position to secure the sweep, but it will have to contend with a familiar foe in Ranger Suárez. Plus, their new No. 3 starter, Chris Sale, will be making his Braves debut.
So, which side should you be on for this series finale? Let's dive into our Braves vs. Phillies betting guide to find out.
Braves vs. Phillies Odds
Sunday, Mar 31, 1:35 p.m. ET, NBCS-PH
| Braves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| -1.5 +120 |
8.5 -120o / 100u |
-135 |
| Phillies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| +1.5 -140 |
8.5 -120o / 100u |
+115 |
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves bats picked up right where they left off last season, as we have seen their ability to mash the ball. We should see them keep rolling as they are very familiar with Phillies starter Ranger Suárez.
Suárez has gotten the best of the Braves in recent meetings and has held them to a combined .228 batting average over 163 at-bats. However, Atlanta is due for positive regression against him, as even the hard-hit grounders are due to find holes.
If Suárez is a five-and-fly pitcher this afternoon, the Phillies will be in trouble considering their bullpen has been rocked over the first two games of this series. While the results are bad, another factor is the usage, as it's taken multiple arms to get outs in this series for Philly.
It's safe to say it would be surprising to see the Braves bats quiet for a very long time in this one.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have had tough assignments in this series. Spencer Strider held them quiet in the first game, but they were able to make Max Fried work hard in the second meeting. Unfortunately, their bats have been unable to keep pace with the Braves in this series, and they may be playing from behind again.
That will depend on what we get from Sale, who comes to Atlanta after multiple injury-riddled seasons in Boston. However, he comes to the National League with a clean bill of health and he showed flashes during Spring Training.
Sale allowed five runs in 14 innings this spring and struck out 19 hitters. Atlanta took a chance on his upside, and it appears he still has it. This Phillies lineup will be a good test for him, as they have several solid hitters, but much of the Philadelphia lineup has not seen Sale.
Braves vs. Phillies
Betting Pick & Prediction
These two teams are both in the upper echelon of the National League, but these first two games have shown there is a clear gap between the two. Atlanta's lineup is relentless and has given the Phillies' pitching staff no breaks.
I expect that to continue in this finale as the Braves should have an excellent report on Suárez and the Phillies' bullpen will be taxed behind him. It will be interesting to see how Sale fairs, but even if he gives Atlanta a decent outing, it should be enough to secure the sweep.
Pick: Braves ML -130
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