Fade Offenses in Red Sox-Braves Series Opener
The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves will kick off a two-game interleague series when they go head-to-head Tuesday. After an off day Monday, both teams will be looking to raise their standings in their respective divisions. Atlanta is sitting in second in the National League East after getting swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Red Sox sit in third in the American League East following a series loss to Minnesota.
Both teams will be looking to start the series strong, and while MLB odds favor the Braves, with a pair of hot pitchers on the mound, the under is the better play for Tuesday.
Red Sox vs Braves Game Information
- Game: Red Sox (19-16) vs Braves (20-12)
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- Day/Time: Tuesday, May 7, 7:20 p.m. ET
- Red Sox vs Braves Live Stream: MLB.tv
Red Sox vs Braves Moneyline Odds and Run Line
Red Sox vs Braves Betting Trends
- Under is 6-0-1 in Braves last 7 interleague games vs a team with a winning record.
- Under is 6-0 in the Braves last 6 home games.
- Under is 6-0 in Crawford’s last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
- Under is 4-0 in Braves last 4 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
- Under is 4-0-1 in Braves last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Crawford Especially Dominant on the Road
Boston will aim to get out to a strong start in the series, and it should have a good chance of doing so with Kutter Crawford starting.
Crawford has gotten off to a good start so far this year, going 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. His 1.56 ERA is second in the league this season, and he is coming off a strong performance in a win over San Francisco, giving up two runs and a home run in seven innings.
Crawford has been tough on the road. He owns a 1-0 record with a 1.08 ERA and .194 opponent batting average away from home this season. In his three road starts, he has allowed two earned runs, throwing 18 strikeouts in 16 ⅔ innings. With his reliability on the mound, he should make it difficult for the Braves to score in the opener.
Lopez Dominant at Home for Braves
Atlanta should also be getting a strong start from its starter in Reynaldo Lopez to keep the opener with the Red Sox tight.
Lopez has been a force on the mound as well, going 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Though he is coming off his most disappointing outings of the season, giving up three earned runs and a home run in five innings in a loss to Seattle, Lopez should be ready to bounce back.
Lopez has been even tougher at home this season, picking up one of his wins and boasting a 0.69 ERA and .146 opponent batting average. Over his two starts at home, Lopez has allowed one earned run on a blast while throwing 12 strikeouts in 13 innings..
With Runs at a Premium, Under is Best Bet
In a game where the pitchers should take top billing, grabbing the under should be the best MLB pick of the matchup.
Crawford and Lopez have both been lighting it up for their respective teams, and with neither offense scoring much lately, the starters should continue to shine in the opener. Boston has averaged 3.8 runs in its last five games while Atlanta has scored 2.6 a game in that same time, and a slow start should be expected again.
With both teams coming off a rest day, their bullpens, which each rank in the top half of the MLB in ERA, also got time off. That should also help each pitching staff finish off the game strong and hold the game under the nine-run total.
Prediction: Series opener stays under the 8½ run total (Ev)
Questions of the Day
How many home runs does Boston have this season?
The Red Sox have hit 38 home runs.
Who is favored in the matchup?
Atlanta is favored at home in the series opener.
