[anyclip pubname=”2129″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8190″]
The Atlanta Braves (56-27) and the Cleveland Guardians (41-42) begin a 3-game interleague series Monday at Progressive Field in a battle of 1st-place teams. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting since Braves won 2 of 3 in Cleveland in 2019
The Braves throttled the division-rival Miami Marlins at Truist Field over the weekend for a 3-game sweep. Atlanta outscored Miami 29-7, and the Braves have won 8 straight games overall.They lead the NL East by 9 games.
The Guardians took 2 of 3 games at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, pulling into a tie atop the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins. Cleveland has been playing good ball lately, winning 9 of 13 games since June 18.
Atlanta has managed a 16-13 record in interleague play, while going 26-12 on the road. It leads the NL with a plus-139 run differential, a mark good for 3rd in the majors.
Cleveland is just 11-16 against the NL this season, while posting a 20-19 home record and minus-8 run differential.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Braves at Guardians projected starters
RHP Bryce Elder vs. RHP Gavin Williams
Elder (6-1, 2.44 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 96 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 4 K in a 6-2 home win vs. the Minnesota Twins last Tuesday
- 2023 road splits: 3-0, 1.43 ERA (37 2/3 IP, 6 ER – 0 HR) with a .195 opponent batting average (OBA) in 6 starts
Williams (0-0, 2.84 ERA) makes his 3rd career start. He has a 0.71 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 in 12 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K in a 2-1 road win vs. the Kansas City Royals Tuesday
- 2023 home splits: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H (1 HR), 3 BB, 4 K in a no-decision June 21 vs. the Oakland Athletics in his MLB debut
Braves at Guardians odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:02 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Braves -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Guardians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+100) | Guardians +1.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!
Braves at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 6, Guardians 2
Moneyline
The BRAVES (-160) are rather moderate favorites on the road in this interleague series opener, but Atlanta is well worth the money.
The Braves have been playing better baseball than almost anybody lately, and Atlanta has cashed in 6 of the last 7 road games. It also has 5 straight wins in interleague play. Meanwhile, Elder has won 6 of his 7 decisions, and he has been nearly untouchable on the road.
The Guardians (+135) have also been solid lately, going 8-3 in the last 11 home outings. However, it is just 1-6 in the past 7 against the NL East, and Cleveland is just 8-17 in the previous 25 interleague home games overall.
Run line/Against the spread
The BRAVES -1.5 (+100) are worth a roll of the dice at even-money on the run line. Atlanta has not only won 8 in a row, but it has won and covered the run line as a favorite in each of the last 6 games.
The Guardians +1.5 (-120) will have a difficult time trying to solve Elder. The Braves are 3-0 in his 3 starts, and 6-2 across his last 8 assignments. Bettors should, pun totally intended, respect Elder.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
UNDER 9 (-115) is the play, but go lightly, with a half-unit play at most.
The Under has cashed in 4 of the last 5 games for the Braves, while also going 4-1 in the last 5 tries against a right-handed starting pitcher.
For the Guardians, the Under is 23-9-2 in the past 34 outings in front of the home fans, while cashing at a 7-2 clip in the previous 9 interleague home matchups.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]