Braves vs. Tigers Odds
| Braves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -230 | 8.5 -120 / +100 | -1.5 -140 |
| Tigers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+195 | 8.5 -120 / +100 | +1.5 +120 |
The AL Central's Detroit Tigers host the NL East's Atlanta Braves on Monday in the first of a three-game series.
Entering this game in poor form, Detroit has lost each of its past nine games. Will it finally secure a victory, or can Atlanta take care of business as a heavy road favorite?
Here's a look at the odds, as well as my Braves vs. Tigers betting pick and prediction.
Atlanta Braves
Right-hander Charlie Morton takes the mound for the Atlanta Braves and should be a strong candidate to back in this contest. Through 12 starts this season, Morton possesses a 3.89 ERA and 1.46 WHIP.
While those are not the strongest numbers in the world, he is still worth backing in the strikeout department. This season, Morton ranks in the 61st percentile or higher in K% and Whiff%.
Boasting a five-pitch arsenal, Morton relies heavily on his curveball, which has been devastating for opposing hitters this year. That pitch boasts a 41.6 Whiff% and 29.4 PutAway%.
The punch-out has always been one of, if not, Morton's greatest strengths. He has finished with a K% north of 24% in each of his past seven seasons.
Detroit Tigers
It has been an underwhelming start to the campaign for the Detroit Tigers, who are 26-37. They enter this contest amidst a nine-game losing streak, and with this team's current lineup, I would not be optimistic about a turnaround anytime soon.
Detroit ranks among the bottom four of the league in runs per game, hits per game, BA, SLG, OPS and home runs. Additionally, this team struggles with the strikeout.
This season, the Tigers rank 25th in the league in K% when facing right-handed pitching. Six of the nine hitters in Monday's projected starting lineup possess a K% north of 22% this year.
Braves vs. Tigers Betting Pick
Those strikeout woes are likely to continue against Morton. Through 30 career plate appearances against the right-hander, this current Detroit roster possesses a fade-worthy 33.3 K% and 41.8 Whiff%.
Over his last two starts against the Tigers, Morton has allowed zero earned runs on eight hits through 14 total innings pitched. He collected at least eight punch-outs in each of those two outings.
Finally, Morton has now recorded at least eight strikeouts in two of his past three starts, a trend likely to continue in this matchup.
