Astros vs Braves MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The Atlanta Braves will look to get back on the rails following Wednesday’s loss to Miami that snapped their seven-game winning streak
Atlanta had been playing lights out, and it all starts with pitching.
This series sets up pretty nicely for them they take on a Houston Astros club that has lost 15 out of their last 16 games, and have just two wins since the All-Star break.
HOU: Armando Galarraga (0-0, 3.60 ERA) v ATL Tim Hudson (10-4, 3.68 ERA)
Date/Time: Friday, August 4, 7:35 PM EST
Venue: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
Broadcast: FOX Sports North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)
LINE: Braves -270
TOTAL: 8.5
Houston has just been awful, and against a hot Braves club, you don’t really expect their fortunes to turn.
The Astros are in for a long second half of baseball of they can’t get things turned around soon.
At least enough to make it a little interesting.
The will look to Armando Galarraga to help put just their third mark in the win column for over the last 20 contests.
He made his first start of the year a week ago against the Pirates, and all things considered, he actually had a pretty solid outing. If he can cut down on the long ball, the Astros may be able to get some innings out of him down the stretch.
The Braves will counter with veteran hurler Tim Hudson who is in the midst of another outstanding season. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Aside from a couple shaky outings in May, Hudson has been his usual self. Without those three May starts, his ERA would be a full run lower than his current 3.68 mark. That tells you just how good he has been as of late.
Players to watch for:
Astros – Jose Altuve .300/5/29/.347
No one on the Houston roster hits Hudson all that well, so I’m going to go with one of their better players here. Altuve has had a heck of a year, and it will be interesting to see him face Hudson for the first time.
Braves – Jason Heyward .270/17/52/.347
His bat has cooled a little from his June numbers, but since being slotted into the three hole, Heyward has started to realize the potential that everyone was raving about during his rookie campaign.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Atlanta ML & RL What? You really thought I would take the Astros here? Play the OVER too for a nice winning parlay.
