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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves start a three-game set on Friday. The Dodgers are continuing their pursuit of the best record in baseball, especially the NL, so they can get the top seed. The Braves were expected to be a big challenger to them, but they're just trying to get back into the playoff race.
The Dodgers are firmly in the playoffs and probable to win their division, so this series matters a little less. However, coming off a series loss to the Chicago Cubs, they'd prefer to get back to winning. The Braves, however, can't ill-afford any more losses.
Dodgers vs. Braves recent form and records
The Los Angeles Dodgers are 87-59 after a 5-5 stretch in their last 10 games. They avoided a shocking sweep against the Cubs with a win on Wednesday. They're five games up on the San Diego Padres for the NL West lead.
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The Atlanta Braves are also 5-5 in their last 10 outings, but it's much more damaging to them. They're nine games back in the division and one game back of the New York Mets for the third wild-card spot.
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Landon Knack (2-3, 3.00 ERA, 52 SO) vs. Spencer Schwellenbach (5-7, 3.78 ERA, 107 SO)
Landon Knack has 52 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched this year with a 0.96 WHIP.
Last Start: Six innings, three hits, two runs, one walk and eight strikeouts.
Career vs. Braves: This is his first matchup with the Braves.
Meanwhile, Spencer Schwellenbach has 107 strikeouts in 97.2 innings pitched with a 1.12 WHIP.
Last Start: Five innings, 10 hits, six runs (three earned), zero walks and three strikeouts.
Career vs. Dodgers: This is his first matchup with the Dodgers.
Must-watch Hitters
Braves
Marcell Ozuna is a player to watch for the Braves and one of the few who's hitting well. He's got the fifth-most home runs in baseball, and their success in this series will hinge largely on him.
Matt Olson is slowly heating up. The Braves first baseman has eight hits in his last six games played, with a double, three RBI and three walks during that time as well.
Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani is so close to a 50/50 season (47 home runs and 48 steals), so he's absolutely a player to watch. He's also eight for his last 24 with three home runs and a walk in the last week.
Mookie Betts has seven hits in 23 at-bats in his last six games played. The Dodgers shortstop has recorded two home runs, two doubles, four RBI and three walks during that time.
Dodgers vs. Braves Baseball Betting Odds
Dodgers vs. Braves expert picks and game prediction
The Dodgers, right now, are a far superior team to the Braves. That doesn't always matter, as LA learned in its last series, but it should play a role in this game. The pitching matchup leans towards the Braves, though, in a battle of rookie pitchers.
However, the Braves lineup is just too thin, and Knack has pitched pretty well. Schwellenbach will do what he can, but the Dodgers' might should be just enough to overpower the Braves.
Runline: Under 1.5
Total Runs: Under 8.5
Prediction: Dodgers 4, Braves 3
