The top two teams in the National League East face off on Friday night as the Miami Marlins (8-4) host the Atlanta Braves (11-9). The Marlins have played four fewer games thanks to the shutdown to their team that came from a COVID-19 outbreak on their roster in the early days of the 2020 regular season. Now they lead the Braves by a game and have four games in hand. Atlanta has the top offense in MLB in terms of runs scored, but their pitching has been dreadful, making it hard for the batters to outscore the opposition.
Take a look at our MLB betting thoughts on this NL East showdown.
MLB Game: August 14
Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins
Game Details
When: Friday, August 14, 2020, 7:10 pm ET
Where: Marlins Park, Miami
Radio: WCNN 680 AM Atlanta / WINZ 940 AM Miami
TV: MLB.tv
Stream/gameday audio:
https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/
Game Betting Odds
Probable pitchers (away/home):
Kyle Wright/Pablo Lopez
Braves -112 | Check the Odds
Marlins -104 | Check the Odds
Total | 8½
Projected Pitching Matchup:
Kyle Wright (0-2, 6.75 ERA) (ATL) vs Pablo Lopez (1-1, 1.80 ERA) (MIA)
Braves at Marlins | Bet on the Game Now!
Why should you Bet on Atlanta?
It’s been feast or famine for Kyle Wright so far this season. In his debut, he was shelled for five runs in 2 ⅔ innings. In his next start, he held the Mets scoreless over 3 ⅓ innings. On Saturday, though, the Phillies got to him for four runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs. He has already walked 10 batters in 12 innings, so he needs to find that place between the fat part of the plate and out of the zone altogether.
It is worth pointing out that Mike Soroka and Cole Hamels have already gone down to injury. Felix Hernandez opted out of the season, and Sean Newcomb and Mike Foltynewicz are still self-isolating. This means that long relievers have been turned into starters, and the Braves are suffering as a result. One bright spot has been Josh Tomlin, who leads the bullpen with 11 ⅓ innings pitched, with just one earned run permitted. But can the bullpen hold the Braves together?
Why should you Place your Money on the Marlins?
Pablo Lopez has been pitching as well as almost anyone in MLB through his first two starts. His debut was sparkling, as he held the Orioles scoreless, scattering a pair of hits over five innings. In his Sunday start against the Mets, he gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits over five innings. He has 11 strikeouts on the year — but also four walks, all in his second start. If he can get that command back, though, he could shine for the Marlins.
The Marlins have the third-best winning percentage in MLB — and that’s after a huge COVID-19 scare. They need to keep grinding on offense and getting better-than-expected performances out of starters like Lopez and their bullpen.
Final Score and Prediction
The starting pitching alone here makes me lean toward the Fish. Yes, Wright appears to be due for a solid outing based on his alternating pattern so far, but the more film emerges, the easier it will be to pick out his shortcomings and sit on them. While Miami may not win the series, I like them to win the opener, 6-4.
Braves vs Marlins | Bet on the Game Now!
