The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates clash Thursday in game 4 of an MLB series at PNC Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Braves look for a win after winning 8 of their last 12 games. The Braves have a 10.5 game lead in the NL East. The Braves pitching staff is 9th in ERA (3.92), 16th in WHIP (1.28) and 14th in quality starts (40). The Braves’ offense is 3rd in runs per game (5.71), 1st in batting average (.272) and 1st in homers (215). Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with 153 hits and 69 RBI, while Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies have combined for 237 hits and 150 RBI. Bryce Elder gets the ball, and he is 8-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 92 strikeouts this season. This will be Elder’s first career game against the Pirates.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

• The Braves have won each of their last seven games against the Pirates following a win.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games as road favorites against National League opponents following a road win.
• The Braves have led after 7 innings in each of their last seven day games against the Pirates.
• The Braves have led after 5 innings in each of their last five day games against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Ronald Acuna Jr. ranks 1st in the league in Steals (53) this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates look for a statement win after splitting their last 12 games. The Pirates are 10 games back in the NLC Central. The Pirates pitching staff is 22nd in ERA (4.55), 24th in WHIP (1.39) and 13th in quality starts (42). The Pirates’ offense is 24th in runs per game (4.17), 26th in batting average (.238) and 23rd in homers (114). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 103 hits and 54 RBI, while Andrew McCutchen and Ke’Bryan Hayes have combined for 163 hits and 69 RBI. Bailey Falter gets the ball, and he is 0-7 with a 4.87 ERA and 30 strikeouts this season. Falter is 0-1 with a 7.56 ERA and 9 strikeouts in his career against the Braves.

Pittsburgh Pirates Team Facts

• The Pirates have lost each of their last 10 games against the Braves following a loss.
• The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last eight Thursday games as home underdogs.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Pirates’ last five day games against NL East opponents.
• The Pirates have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last eight home day games.
• The Pirates have led after 7 innings in five of their last six games as underdogs against National League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks 27th in the league for hits this season (891).
• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks T5th in the league for home runs allowed this season (124).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for home runs this season (215).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for batting average this season (.272).

Randy’s Pick

The Pirates just can’t get out of their own way, and a lot of it is because their offense is one of the worst in the league. The Braves don’t lose favorable games often, and they’re led by the best offense in baseball. Not excited about a pitching matchup of Bryce Elder and Bailey Falter, but this is simply about backing the better, more consistent team on a quick turnaround. Of course, I lay the RL to shave down the price.