Even before the new season begins, we generally have an idea of which teams in the MLB are going to be leading the way on the path to the playoffs. While the favorites have made a habit of blazing the trail ahead, we always see a couple of teams come out of nowhere and make a run that is more than a little unexpected. While those runs may not translate to success in the postseason, it is always cool to see a dark horse emerge from the pack and make things very interesting.
Last year, it was the Atlanta Braves who proved to be that team, as they won the NL East playing an exciting brand of baseball fueled by a slew of exciting prospects. The pressure is now on them to take another run, but things are not going to plan in the early going. They will start the week out by hosting the San Diego Padres, a team that is staking their claim to be a factor in the NL West. It is the Braves who will start the first game of the series as the MLB betting favorite.
Padres vs Braves MLB Week 5 Betting Lines & Expert Pick
Rating this game-saver 🔟 out of 🔟#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/rK77aTLFRx
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) 28 de abril de 2019
- When: Monday, April 29 at 7:20 PM EST
- Where: SunTrust Park, Atlanta
- Starting Pitchers: Margevicius Vs Soroka
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Radio: The Fan
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- MLB Betting Lines: Atlanta Braves -160 (Total 9)
Top MLB Betting Picks of the Week – April 29th
Why bet on the San Diego Padres?
The NL West is proving to be a good deal tighter than many of us expected. While it’s the Dodgers who are once again leading the way, they are not exactly dominating things. The San Diego Padres find themselves just a half-game off the pace, although their recent form could do with a little bit of an upgrade. The Padres are just 5-5 in their last 10 games, taking their overall record to 16-12.
One thing to consider here is that Atlanta has not been a happy hunting ground for the Padres, who are just 1-10 SU in their last 11 visits there. That record might improve this season, though, with San Diego sitting at 9-4 on the road this season. They will send Nick Margevicius (2-2, 3.60 ERA) to the mound for this one.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 3.64
- Hits: 7.21
- Walks: 2.64
- Strike Outs: 9.54
Defense
- Runs: 3.93
- Hits: 7.57
- Walks: 2.79
- Strike Outs: 9.36
Why bet on the Atlanta Braves?
The Atlanta Braves came out of nowhere last season to win the NL East, but they are not going to have it all their way this season, or so it would appear. At a game below .500, the Braves are not yet flexing their muscles, but the good news is that they are still just 2 ½ games off the pace. It does look as though this division battle might be set to go the distance.
The Braves will be a little disappointed that they are just 8-8 in their own ballpark, but given their dominance against the Padres in games played in the ATL, they should feel confident about getting over .500 in this series. That said, Atlanta is just 6-8 ATS as a home favorite this season. Mike Soroka (1-1, 1.69 ERA) has been outstanding this season and will get the ball for this one.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.26
- Hits: 9.15
- Walks: 4.48
- Strike Outs: 8.85
Defense
- Runs: 5.15
- Hits: 8.37
- Walks: 4.63
- Strike Outs: 8.96
How to Bet Astros vs Twins MLB Spread & Game Analysis
Padres vs Braves MLB Betting Trends
- San Diego is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego’s last 6 games played on a Monday
- Atlanta is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National League conference
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Padres vs Braves
This is a series that could go either way, as I think that these two teams are very evenly matched. You do have to like Atlanta at home, especially in this one with Soroka on the mound.
Score: San Diego Padres 2 – Atlanta Braves 5
