It’s been a wonderful week in the Twin Cities for Atlanta (72-60) as they wrap up the series on Wednesday in the August 28th Braves at Twins betting matchup. Brian Snitker’s squad has picked up two wins at Target Field, showing off the offense in a 10-6 victory on Monday and taking game two 8-6 on Tuesday.
The Twins are down a bit after losing four of their last five on this current home stand, but they’re still holding on to the final wild card spot in the AL. Minnesota needs to get a win on Wednesday and then 13 of their next 16 games are against sub .500 clubs. The Twins are still +115 underdogs for the series finale, with Atlanta going off at -135.
Why Atlanta Has Value on Wednesday
Rumors of the Braves demise last month appear to be greatly exaggerated, as Atlanta has now won 8 of their last 10 games. That has given them a three game cushion for the final NL wild card position, but they obviously need to still keep winning games.
Atlanta has played well this series, so far scattering 24 hits to get their 18 runs in two games. Whit Merrifield went 5-5 in the opener with Matt Olson adding 5 RBIs while Ramon Laureano had 2 RBI as part of the Braves’ 4-run 10th inning on Tuesday.
It’s not a bad price on Atlanta for Wednesday’s game considering they’ve taken the first two in the series – also they send Chris Sale (14-3, 2.62 ERA) to the mound. The big left-hander is officially back, posting the 2nd most wins and 2nd best ERA in the league while ranking 3rd in strikeouts (191). Sale hasn’t allowed more than 2 ER in a start since June 1st.
Why Minnesota Has Value on Wednesday
The Twins have dropped the first two in this series, but Monday was a bit weird because of an early rain delay (although they were down 9-1 at the time) and Tuesday’s game was tied 4-4 going into the 10th. It’s been a rough home stand for Minnesota, but they’re still 37-28 at Target Field this season.
It’s going to be tough sledding on Wednesday against Sale, but the Twins offense hasn’t been that bad the last two games, scoring 12 runs and banging out 23 hits. Manuel Margot had a 3-5 night on Monday with Kyle Farmer and Matt Wallner hitting HRs while Willi Castro and Trevor Larnach were a combined 6-11 on Tuesday from the top two spots in the order.
The problem for Minnesota in the finale is facing Sale, but they’ve actually hit him kind of well with a collective .300 team BA. Twins starter David Festa (2-3, 5.20 ERA) would gladly take some run support as he hasn’t pitched out of the 4th inning in two of his last three.
Free August 28th Braves at Twins Betting Pick
It’s kind of a red flag that the Braves aren’t priced higher than -135 in this matchup as Sale hasn’t allowed more than 2ER in a start in nearly three months while Festa has a 6.61 ERA at home for the Twins. If this is a trap play, it’s one that at least doesn’t cost too much but this looks like all Atlanta.
Free Pick: Atlanta -135
