Atlanta Braves (88-72) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (95-67)
October 8, 2021 4:37 pm EDT
The Line: Milwaukee Brewers -152 / Atlanta Braves +105; Over/Under: +7
(Get latest betting odds)
The Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers meet Friday for Game 1 of the NLDS in MLB action from American Family Field. The Braves finished 88-73 during the regular season this year, placing the team atop the National League East. As for the Brewers, they won the National League Central Division this season, thanks to a strong 95-67 record. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Atlanta’s last series was a three-game set versus the Mets over the weekend. The Braves fell 4-3 in the Friday game there, but came back for victories 6-5 Saturday and 5-0 in the Sunday finale. Sunday starter Charlie Morton lasted 2.2 innings with no earned, no walks, one hit and three Ks.
Morton will get the start again on Friday for Game 1 of the NLDS. This season Morton went 185.2 innings with 136 hits, 77 runs (69 earned), 16 homers allowed, 58 walks, 216 Ks and a 3.34 ERA.
Over on the Brewers’ side, their last on-field action came against the Dodgers. Milwaukee didn’t fare well in that series, losing 8-6 Friday, 8-3 Saturday and 10-3 in the Sunday game. Brewers starter Brett Anderson put up 1.0 clean innings with one hit in the finale.
For the starter gig in Game 1 on Friday, it’ll be Corbin Burnes for the Brewers. Burnes has 167.0 innings this year with 123 hits, 47 runs (45 earned), seven homers allowed, 34 walks, 234 Ks and a 2.43 ERA.
The Braves are 7-0 in their last seven versus a team with a winning record and 12-2 in their last 14 overall. Atlanta is 6-1 in their last seven after a win and 5-1 in their last six versus the NL Central.
Meanwhile, the Brewers are 5-0 in their last five versus the NL East and 8-3 in their last 11 after an off day. Milwaukee is 4-0 in their last four Divisional Playoff games as well.
PICK: I’m going to try the Braves here. Burnes had a spotty outing in Los Angeles against the Dodgers his last time up, posting 2.0 innings with three earned on two hits, one walk and one homer. He’s given up three earned in three of his last five starts, but hasn’t gone beyond that threshold. As for Morton, he’s got a scoreless streak of 9.2 innings over his last two outings, with four hits, two walks and 13 Ks. Morton also hasn’t given up more than three earned in any of his last seven starts. If he can keep it going, Atlanta should be in good shape for a win in Game 1.
