Braves vs Guardians Prediction & Picks (July 5)

The Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Guardians are slated to play the final outing of their three-game series on Wednesday, July 5. Atlanta and Cleveland split the first two games at Progressive Field, leaving time to tell who’ll emerge with the series victory from tonight’s Braves vs Guardians finale.

Looking for a series win tomorrow.#ForTheLand | #GuardiWins pic.twitter.com/53pwEuxGiO

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 5, 2023

After the Braves were victorious Monday, the two clubs needed extra innings to decide a victor last night. With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 10th inning, Guardians infielder David Fry hit a single that brought Eddie Rosario across home plate to give Cleveland the 6-5 walk-off win.

Can the Braves return to their winning ways with a stronger effort tonight? Or will the Guardians capitalize on last night’s momentum to help them get closer to the top of the AL Central?

Here’s a look at everything you know heading into this evening’s Braves vs Guardians clash, from the latest betting odds to a prediction with the best betting recommendation, courtesy of Betting News.

Atlanta Braves vs Cleveland Guardians Game Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Atlanta Braves (57-28, 27-13 Away) vs. Cleveland Guardians (42-43, 21-20 Home)
• Venue & Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2023
• Game Time: 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Braves vs Guardians: Bally Sports Southeast, Bally Sports Great Lakes, MLB.TV

Braves vs Guardians Odds

Game odds as of Wednesday, July 5 at 9:57 a.m. ET from Bovada. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-105)
• Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-115)

Over/Under

• Over 10 Runs (-105)
• Under 10 Runs (-115)

Moneyline

• Atlanta Braves -170
• Cleveland Guardians +141

Braves vs Guardians Starting Pitchers

• Braves: Michael Soroka (3 starts —1-1, 6.89 ERA)
• Guardians: Cal Quantrill (12 starts—2-5, 6.18 ERA)

Braves vs Guardians Betting Trends

• Atlanta is 9-1 straight up in its last 10 games.
• Cleveland is 1-4 straight up in its last five games against the NL East.
• The total has hit the over in four of Atlanta’s last five games.
• The total has hit the over in six of Cleveland’s last nine games against the NL.
• The total has hit the over in four of the last five Braves-Guardians matchups at Progressive Field.

Braves vs Guardians Game Preview

The Guardians gave their fans something extra to celebrate on Independence Day by beating the hottest team in baseball. Having said that, it won’t be easy to pull off that feat two nights in a row.

For starters, it’s worth noting that the Braves were on a nine-game winning streak before Tuesday’s loss. Considering that Brian Snitker’s club had a plus-4.0 average run margin during that stretch, it isn’t difficult to imagine the Braves bouncing back from adversity.

Another thing standing in the Guardians’ way is their lack of success against the National League this year. They’re 12-17 against the NL in 2023, whereas the Braves are 17-14 against American League teams thus far. Adding insult to injury, Cleveland has lost four of its last five meetings with the NL East.

The Guardians also have issues finding success when the odds aren’t in their favor. While they’re 16-19 (45.7%) as the underdog during the 2023 campaign, the Braves are 50-24 (67.6%) as the favorite.

The #Braves received high praise from #Guardians Manager Terry Francona on their lineup & bench.
? via: @Braves pic.twitter.com/B4BZJk4ggz

— Gradick Sports (@GradickSports) July 4, 2023

If the Guardians want to pull off the upset, they need a huge performance from Cal Quantrill on the mound. Aside from a solid stretch in May, the Canadian hurler has struggled for the majority of the campaign.

Unfortunately, Quantrill’s play has gotten even worse lately. In his last four starts, the former 2016 first-rounder is 0-3 with an 11.94 ERA after surrendering two homers and 23 earned runs on 26 hits over just 17 1/3 innings. He has a 1.54 ERA in two previous starts against Atlanta, but it remains to be seen if he can perform at that level tonight.

Meanwhile, the Braves hope that starting pitcher Michael Soroka continues his journey to return to form. The 25-year-old righty has had his ups in downs since returning from multiple Achilles’ tendon tears that kept him on the shelf for two seasons.

On one hand, Soroka’s 6.89 ERA through three starts has left much to be desired considering he has a career ERA of 3.13. On the other hand, he played well in his most recent start on June 30, striking out seven batters while only allowing three runs on six hits over six innings in a 16-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.

At the end of the day, this game could come down to which team’s starting pitcher gets off to a stronger start.

Braves vs Guardians Prediction and Picks

Braves vs Guardians Prediction: Braves 7, Guardians 5

Braves vs Guardians Best Bet: Braves -1.5 (Best Value: -105 ) & Over 10 Total Runs (Best Value: -105)

The Guardians had their fun yesterday, but it’s time for the Braves to return to business. Atlanta is the clear-cut better team in this matchup and thrives as the favorite. With neither starting pitcher performing well this year, this matchup will be decided by the bats and there’s no denying that the Braves have the advantage there.

Speaking of Soroka and Quantrill’s struggles, taking the over on the 10-run total is another solid Braves vs Guardians bet. As it stands, the over is 4-1 in Atlanta’s last five road games and 6-3 in Cleveland’s previous nine against the NL. The over has also been hit in four of the last five Braves-Guardians matchups at Progressive Field, seeing an average of 12 runs scored during that span.

After the two clubs combined for 11 runs last night, I don’t see why the over can’t be hit again Wednesday.

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