Atlanta Braves vs
Los Angeles AngelsPredictions & Preview

Braves Sending LHP Chris Sale to the Mound Against Angels in Interleague Series Opener

The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels are set to face off in an interleague series on Saturday night in Anaheim. The Braves, with a record of 64-57, are sending LHP Chris Sale to the mound, who boasts an impressive 13-3 record and 2.61 ERA. The Angels, currently at 52-69, will have RHP Griffin Canning starting, who holds a 4-10 record and 5.11 ERA. The game is scheduled for a 9:38 PM EST start at Angel Stadium. Atlanta opens as the favorite with a -207 betting line that has remained unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Braves -207 | Angels +187
• Spread: Braves +1.5 (-121) | Angels +1.5 (+110)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Atlanta will win straight-up is 67%.

Atlanta vs Los Angeles Stats

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves recently wrapped up a series in San Francisco, where they won three out of four games, including two extra-innings victories. Despite being shut out in the series finale, the offense still managed to produce 18 runs in total. Over the past two weeks, the Braves have scored 62 runs in 13 games, with the offense hitting .248 and hitting 23 home runs. Marcell Ozuna, the team's designated hitter, leads the National League with 90 RBIs and is second in batting average and home runs. The pitching staff, which was previously ranked third in the National League with a 3.74 team ERA, has struggled recently, posting a 6.21 ERA in the last 13 games. Starting pitching for Atlanta has a 40-37 record with a 3.97 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Sale is currently the Cy Young front-runner in the NL, leading in wins and ERA, and ranking second in strikeouts. The relief staff has a 3.37 ERA and RHP Raisel Iglesias has made 25 saves in 27 chances. OF Jorge Soler missed a recent game due to injury. Overall, Atlanta is ranked 16th in offense, third in defense, and has a record of 64-57 with a power ranking of 25.

Los Angeles Angels Analysis

The Los Angeles Angels recently returned home after a rough road trip to face the Blue Jays, where they were swept in a three-game series. The team's offense struggled, only scoring five runs in the series and has been struggling overall, ranking 12th in the American League in runs scored this season. Catcher Matt Thaiss provided some offense in a recent game, hitting a solo homer and driving in a run. On the pitching side, the Angels have a team ERA of 4.54, ranking 14th in the AL, with their starters struggling with a 4.79 ERA. Relief pitcher Hunter Strickland has been a bright spot in the bullpen, with solid numbers. RHP Jose Marte is currently out with a viral infection. Overall, the Angels have a power ranking of 13 and are ranked 26th in offense and 27th in defense, with a record of 52-69. In their recent matchups against Atlanta, they went 1-2.

Braves Poised for Victory Against Struggling Angels in Series Opener

In their previous encounter in Atlanta last season, the Braves emerged victorious in two out of three games. The Braves have displayed a commendable performance on the road this season, boasting a 32-31 record in away games by Friday. Conversely, the Angles have struggled even on their home turf, with a disappointing 26-38 record at Angel Stadium. Canning has recorded a 4.56 ERA in 13 home starts this season, conceding 10 home runs and issuing 32 walks. Holding onto the final Wild Card spot in the National League, the Braves recognize the importance of securing wins in crucial games like these, particularly given Sale's consistency this season. When Sale has taken the mound, the Braves have prevailed with a 15-7 record this season, with the majority of wins being by at least a two-run margin. Sale has a 5-3 record and a 2.44 ERA in 12 road starts this season, striking out 100 batters and yielding only four home runs in 73 2/3 innings. Atlanta has previously triumphed over the Angels with a 6-4 record in their last ten meetings, each win by a margin of three runs or more. Considering these factors, it is advisable to take the Braves with the run line in the upcoming series.

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