Baseball Showdown Preview: Dodgers Challenge Braves - Odds, Expert Picks, and Top Wagers for May 4th
Baseball Showdown: Dodgers versus Braves
Hey there, sports fans! On Sunday, May 4th, the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Atlanta Braves. Although this pairing may not be as explosive as in past seasons, it's still a must-watch, showcasing two highly skilled teams on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
The Braves have lost their last three games, making way for the Dodgers to potentially sweep the series and win their eight consecutive game before heading to Miami the following day.
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Where and When to Watch
Channel: ESPN
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Team Odds and Total
Los Angeles Dodgers -135 // Atlanta Braves +114
Total: 9.5 (-102/-118)
Dodgers versus Braves Preview
Dustin May kicks off the May edition of his pitching performance for the Dodgers tonight. May's last faceoff against Atlanta ended with one hit and an unearned run over five innings, struck out six batters, and walked three. However, his last two outings haven't been as strong, allowing three runs on five hits in five-and-a-half innings against the Marlins[2].
His inconsistent performances could be attributed to his recent return from injury, which prevented him from playing throughout most of last season. With just 26 starts in his career, May is still finding his stride.
On the other hand, Bryce Elder is struggling with a 5.33 ERA, had a 4.54 xERA, and a 5.87 FIP this season[1]. Unlike his career year in 2023, Elder is failing to replicate his success with a disappointing 13.7% K% and a weak 27 innings across five starts.
The Dodgers boast a formidable offense, ranking fifth with a .347 wOBA and a 122 wRC+[4]. In contrast, the diminished Braves have a below-average offensive record and rank 14th with a .316 wOBA and a 99 wRC+ when considering park factors and the 2025 run environment. However, the Braves have shown signs of improvement over the past two weeks, with a .331 wOBA and a 109 wRC+[4].
Due to Elder's struggles and the Dodgers' strong offense, the 1st 5 Team Total Over 2.5 Runs at -115 seems like a smart bet for baseball enthusiasts[5].
Pick: Dodgers 1st 5 Team Total Over 2.5 (-115)
Dodgers versus Braves Player Props
Bryce Elder Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+120)
Elder has only surpassed the 3.5 strikeout mark twice this season and is facing a Dodgers team with the seventh-lowest K%. His non-stellar pitches likely won't generate enough whiffs against the Dodgers[5].
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Sports bettors, take note! With the Dodgers looking strong after their recent form and the Braves struggling in their last few games, the 1st 5 Team Total Over 2.5 Runs for Dodgers versus Braves at -115 seems like a promising bet. Meanwhile, Bryce Elder might struggle to record over 3.5 strikeouts against the Dodgers, making the prop Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+120) an intriguing option.
