Braves vs Diamondbacks Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 22 (9/22): MLB

Credit: photo by Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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Preview

The Braves are back at Chase Field in Arizona for game three of four against the Diamondbacks.  Atlanta leads the series 2-0 winning games 1 and 2, 11-4 and 6-1, respectively.  They're still trying to wrap up the division crown and are 3 games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.  The Diamondbacks are on a three-game losing streak and lost their last series 2-1 to the Astros after being swept by the Dodgers.  A win here for the Braves will take them closer to a 4th straight division title.  

Pitching matchup

Braves

Ian Anderson (7-5, 3.75 ERA) Ian Anderson will start for the Braves tonight.  Anderson has 22 starts so far this season where he pitched 115.1 innings and surrendered 100 hits for 48 ERs and claimed 114 strikeouts as compared to 49 walks.  Anderson is in his second year in the majors and has a 3.35 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and is a career 3.75 ERA pitcher. 

Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly (7-10, [x] ERA) Merrill Kelly will take the ball for the Diamondbacks tonight.  Kelly is a third-year pitcher with a career 4.41 ERA and 4.26 ERA in 2021.  In 25 starts this season, he pitched 147 innings and gave up 153 hits for 72 ERs and walked 35 batters while striking out 119.  He's only played once in September pitching 4.2 innings and surrendering 10 hits for 4 ERs.

Prediction

The Braves' batting has been inconsistent and the Diamondbacks themselves have struggled with their batting.  The last game was low-scoring and this could be more of the same.  Can't see this one hitting the over. 

PICK: Under 9.5 (+100)

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