Pirates vs Braves Prediction MLB Picks Today 8/8
- Lm Tipster
- Aug 8, 2023, 1:36:36 AM
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
MLB Matchup Analysis: Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates
In what promises to be a thrilling clash, the league-leading Atlanta Braves visit PNC Park to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Braves boasting a stellar 70-39 season record and the Pirates, despite their struggles, showing resilience at 50-61, this game promises a blend of offensive fireworks and pitching duels.
Team Overview: Braves vs Pirates
Atlanta, the MLB's current juggernaut with a solid away record of 33-19, looks to overpower the Pirates who've had a shaky home performance, standing at 26-28. The Braves' recent form has been slightly inconsistent, while the Pirates have shown some glimpses of brilliance despite recent losses.
Atlanta Braves: The Powerhouse
Batting Titans
Leading the MLB in home runs, the Braves have amassed 212 this season, with Matt Olson leading the squad with 39 homers and 97 RBIs. Ronald Acuna Jr., boasting an average of .343 and a slug percentage of .589, is another major threat the Pirates need to be wary of.
Pitching Spotlight: Yonny Chirinos
Yonny Chirinos, with a 5-4 record, might not have the best win-loss numbers, but his ERA of 4.42 and WHIP of 1.29 show he can hold his ground. However, his 71.1 innings pitched have seen 70 hits, which could be an area of concern against a motivated Pirates' lineup.
Injury News
Dylan Lee and Sam Hilliard's recent entries to the injured list might create some strategic adjustments for the Braves' lineup and fielding arrangements.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Rising Against Odds
Key Batsmen
Jack Suwinski has been a silver lining for the Pirates, slamming 21 home runs and accumulating 53 RBIs. Bryan Reynolds, with a batting average of .267 and an on-base percentage of .329, is another consistent performer in the Pirates' roster.
Pitching Star: Mitch Keller
Mitch Keller, despite a slightly elevated ERA of 4.35, boasts a commendable strikeout number of 150 over 138.2 innings. His 1.25 WHIP indicates his decent control, but the 18 homers allowed highlight a potential vulnerability against the Braves' powerful bats.
Injury Update
Dauri Moreta's recent injury might slightly hamper the Pirates' bullpen strategies for this game.
Prediction
The over/under for this game is set at 9.5, and given the offensive firepower of both teams, especially the Braves, the over seems like the best bet. Here's why:
- The Braves' recent games have seen high scores, as evidenced by their 12-5 win against the LAA and an 8-0 thrashing of the CHC.
- Mitch Keller's vulnerability to the long ball, with 18 HRs allowed over 138.2 innings, might be exploited by the Braves' lineup, especially in the homer-friendly PNC Park.
- Yonny Chirinos, despite his decent stats, has given up 70 hits in just over 71 innings, indicating the Pirates might get on base often and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Given these factors and the overall offensive capabilities of both teams, expect a high-scoring affair, making the over 9.5 runs a wise choice for bettors.
It's essential to remember that sports predictions come with their fair share of uncertainties. Always make informed choices while betting.
Pick: Over 9.5 runs
