In this article, we will formulate an Angels vs Braves prediction for this MLB game on Thursday, July 3, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Los Angeles Angels Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Angels (42-43, 22-23 Away) swept the Boston Red Sox but lost a series against the Washington Nationals. The Angels defeated the Braves 4-0 in the opening game of the current series, but Atlanta responded with an 8-3 victory on Wednesday. Jo Adell led the offense with two RBI, while Yusei Kikuchi pitched for 5.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. Ryan Zeferjahn took the loss.

This season, the Angels average 4.32 runs per game (16th in the MLB) on a .229/.297/.409 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Angels’ staff has a 4.52 ERA (24th) and 1.45 WHIP (28th). Taylor Ward leads the Angels with a .221 batting average, 20 home runs, and 57 RBI this season.

Jose Soriano will take the mound for the Angels on Thursday. The 26-year-old left-hander has a 5-5 record in 17 starts this year with a 3.99 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 97.0 innings.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves (39-46, 24-18 Home) split a series with the New York Mets despite having a 2-0 lead and then lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Following a 4-0 loss in Game 1 of the series against the Los Angeles Angels, the Braves played much better and celebrated an 8-3 victory in Game 2. Matt Olson blasted a grand slam off Zeferjahn to lead his team with four RBI, while Didier Fuentes pitched for 3.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on four hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Aaron Bummer was credited with the win.

This year, the Braves average 4.04 runs per game (24th in the MLB) on a .243/.318/.379 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Braves’ staff has a 3.75 ERA (12th) and 1.23 WHIP (10th). Matt Olson leads the Braves with a .267 batting average, 16 home runs, and 56 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Braves is Bryce Elder, who is 2-5 in 13 starts this season, with a 5.82 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 68.0 innings.

Total Runs Facts

Five of the Angels’ last six games as road underdogs have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Four of the Braves’ last five home games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Braves’ last seven home games against American League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Angels’ last seven games as road underdogs against National League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Braves rank 4th in the league for strikeouts this season (775).
The Braves rank 4th in the league for hits allowed this season (653).
The Angels rank 29th in the league for strikeouts against this season (830).
The Angels rank 29th in the league for walks allowed this season (331).

Angels vs Braves Prediction

The Braves won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including five of the last seven. I am not sure who will get a W here, but I am pretty sure there will be runs scored on each side. Bryce Elder is Atlanta’s weakest starter, who had a disastrous June, posting an 8.25 ERA. He surrendered 18 runs in his last three starts! I am backing the Angels to score 3+ in the opening five innings. Jose Soriano, on the other hand, is a better pitcher than Elder, but he has allowed eight runs in 4.0 innings in his most recent starts against Washington. Although I believe Soriano will bounce back on Thursday, I still think the Braves will get to him early on and score multiple runs. Go with Over.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Over 8.5