Atlanta can continue to close the gap on Miami in the August 16th Braves at Marlins betting matchup. The two teams have split the weekend series thus far, with the Braves tallying a 2-1 win on Saturday but as -200 favorites with Max Fried on the hill.
Oddsmakers are calling Sunday’s matchup a bit closer however. The Braves are listed at -115 with Miami at -105. Atlanta will go with an opener with Robbie Erlin (0-0, 9.00) coming out of the bullpen for the first 3-4 innings. Miami counters with Elieser Hernandez (0-0, 2.79 ERA). The betting total is 9.
Braves Will Struggle to Find Offense?
Atlanta has scored just 7 runs total in their last three games and were only able to escape with a 2-1 win on Saturday thanks to 6.1 shutout innings from Fried. Atlanta pitching was rocked in Friday’s 8-2 Marlins win as Kyle Wright walked six batters in just 3.0 IP.
Hernandez has been solid for Miami this season, but Atlanta has some potential on offense in August 16th Braves at Marlins betting. Marcell Ozuna had a home run Saturday and is 4-7 (.571) vs. Hernandez. Freddie Freeman is 3-9 with a HR vs. the Marlins starter.
The reason Atlanta is a tough wager on Sunday is because of Erlin as the opener. Even if he has success, Erlin hasn’t pitched more than 2.2 innings this season. HIs last outing on Monday didn’t go well either, allowing 4 ER to the Phillies that included three home runs. Erlin had a 9.00 ERA in two appearances vs. Miami last season.
Marlins Look to Pad Their Lead
Miami continues their strong play to start the season and has a two game lead over the Braves in the East. The Marlins are 7-3 over their last 10. Miami has also played just three home games this season, but is undefeated at Marlins Park.
The Miami offense did struggle on Saturday though, managing just six hits. The Marlins had put up 22 runs in the two games prior however including the 8-2 win over Atlanta on Friday. The bats should have success today with the Braves using an opener. Only four Miami hitters have ever faced Erlin though, and they are a combined 3-16 (.188).
Hernandez starts for Miami, looking to bounce back from 3ER allowed in 5.1 IP against the Blue Jays last time out. Hernandez had a great start to the season, allowing just 2 hits over 4.1 IP to Baltimore. Those were the only two starts of the season for the Marlins pitcher, Hernandez also posted a 0.82 ERA in three appearances vs. the Braves last season.
August 16th Braves at Marlins Betting Pick
Atlanta was 15-4 in 2019 vs. Miami but there seems to be a different mentality for this year’s Marlins team. Miami would love a series win here to push their lead in the NL East to 3 games and they have the pitching matchup to do just that. The Braves will be going to their bullpen as early as the 3rd inning with Wright opening and this is a Marlins offense that had posted 22 runs in two games Thursday and Friday.
Free Pick: Miami Marlins -105
