Braves eye series sweep as Tigers fight for first win in Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers will conclude their three-game interleague series on Thursday at Truist Park in Atlanta. The Braves won the first two games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Atlanta (22-9) currently has the best record in MLB and tops the National League East. Meanwhile, Detroit (15-16) sits second in the American League Central.
Game 3 will start at 12:15 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on Detroit SportsNet and BravesVision. MLB.TV is a streaming option.
The Braves' sluggers have performed well against left-handed pitchers. Valdez will need his best performance to neutralize them.
Braves starting pitcher
Bryce Elder will be on the mound for Atlanta. The righty pitcher's sinker-slider combo has been effective for him this season. He currently carries a 3-1 record and 1.95 ERA.
Tigers starting pitcher
Framber Valdez will start for Detroit on Thursday. The veteran lefty is known for his durability and high ground-ball percentage. He currently carries a 2-1 record and 3.41 ERA.
Tigers Potential Lineup
Shortstop: Kevin McGonigle (L) Second Base: Gleyber Torres (R) Third Base: Colt Keith (L) Left Field: Riley Greene (L) Catcher: Dillon Dingler (R) Designated Hitter: Kerry Carpenter (L) First Base: Spencer Torkelson (R) Center Field: Matt Vierling (R) Right Field: W. Perez (S)
Braves Potential Lineup
Right Field: Ronald Acuña Jr. (R) Designated Hitter: D. Baldwin (L) Second Base: Ozzie Albies (S) First Base: Matt Olson (L) Third Base: Austin Riley (R) Shortstop: Mauricio Dubón (R) Center Field: Michael Harris II (L) Left Field: Eli White (R) Catcher: Jonah Heim (S)
Moneyline: Braves (-118), Tigers (-102) Run Line: Braves +1.5 (-185), Tigers -1.5 (+152) Total Runs: Over 8.5 (-102), Under 8.5 (-118)
Prediction: Braves 4, Tigers 2
Atlanta is the favorite and has the edge on the mound. Elder will likely keep the ball on the ground and frustrate the Tigers. Framber Valdez is formidable, but the Braves have depth and home-field advantage. (Money Line: Braves (-118))
The Under 8.5 (-118) is safe play with two ground-ball specialists on the mound. The game will likely be a low-scoring defensive battle. As such, the Braves' Run Line +1.5 (-185) is a good bet.
