Braves vs. Marlins: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 22, MLB 2024
Division rivals Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins face off in the finale on Sunday with the series on the line. Miami won the opener with a narrow 4-3 win before Atlanta came back to earn a solid 6-2 victory on Saturday. The game can be consequential as Braves are chasing the NL Wild Card spots.
Braves vs. Marlins recent form and records
Despite managing a 5-5 record in their last ten games, the Braves are still 2.0 games behind NL East opponents New York Mets who have overtaken them for the third Wild Card spot. During that stretch, they managed to win a series against the Reds and drew two against the Dodgers and Nationals.
The Marlins' only objective left this season would be to avoid 100 losses. They have an overall 57-98 record and have won just 3 of their last ten games.
Players to watch
Starting Pitchers
Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.84 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 56 SO) vs. Darren McCaughan (0-0, 7.64 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 19 SO)
Grant Holmes will feature on the mound for his second start after promotion to the starting rotation.
Last Start: vs. Reds, 4.0 innings pitched, 5 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
Career vs. Marlins: 4.2 innings, 7 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts.
Darren McCaughan will start for the Marlins after he beared the brunt of a 20-4 defeat at the hands of the Dodgers.
Last Start: vs. Dodgers, 3.2 innings pitched, 6 hits, 5 earned runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts.
Career vs. Braves: First apperance
Must Watch Hitters
Braves
Marcell Ozuna has been spitting fire at the plate. The Braves DH has 11 hits in his last five games. He also has a franchise leading 38 homers this season. He has been ably supported by Michael Harris II who is 17-for-45 in the last ten games.
Marlins
Otto Lopez is hitting 11-for-37 in the last ten games including 5 extra base hits amounting for 6 RBIs during that stretch. They have a healthy .244 team batting average during that stretch.
Braves vs. Marlins Betting Odds
Braves vs. Marlins expert picks and prediction
The Braves start as favorites to take the rubber game. They would look to get off to a good start against McCaughan who would be still reeling from his tough loss against the Dodgers in Shohei Ohtani's epic 50-50 accomplishing game. The Braves have a decent road record and need to win to keep them in playoff contention.
Runline: Under 1.5
Total Runs: Over 8.5
Prediction: Braves 7, Marlins 3