The Atlanta Braves (46-48) and Philadelphia Phillies (47-47) play the opener of a four-game set Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Braves vs. Phillies odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Charlie Morton is the projected starting pitcher for the Braves. He is 8-3 with a 3.69 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 over 105 innings across 19 starts.
Morton is coming off consecutive quality starts, going 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 13 innings. He is 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings in three starts against Philadelphia this season.
LHP Matt Moore is the projected starting pitcher for the Phillies. He is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 across 36 innings in 7 starts and 6 relief appearances.
Moore has not lasted longer than five innings in any of his seven starts. In his most recent start, he allowed just two runs, six hits and no walks with nine strikeouts across 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Miami Marlins Friday.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!
Braves at Phillies odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:04 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Braves -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Phillies +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread/ATS: Braves -1.5 (+105) | Phillies +1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under: 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Prediction
Braves 6, Phillies 2
Money line (ML)
The BRAVES (-155) are moderate road favorites in the series opener. It’s all about the pitching matchup here, and Morton is the much better option. He has been humming along lately.
While Philadelphia has beaten him twice in three outings, it’s mostly due to a lack of offensive support, not anything bad on his part.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The BRAVES -1.5 (+105) are worth a roll of the dice at near even-money.
Again, it’s all about Morton. He has lasted at least six innings in five of his past six outings, and he’ll limit the damage in Philadelphia. As long as Atlanta’s offense doesn’t have a power outage like it had in two of his three previous tries against the Phillies, the Braves will easily get it done in the series opener.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 9 (+100) is worth playing in this battle.
The Under has connected in five of the past seven starts by Morton. While the Over is 3-0 in Moore’s past three outings, it’s mostly due to an explosive offense, and not his pitching.
The Phillies outscored their opponents 29-7 in Morton’s past three starts. The pitching will be very good, and that’s why the play is the UNDER 9.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]