Dodgers vs. Braves: Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 14, MLB 2024

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves will play the second game of their highly anticipated series. Although both clubs appear set to make it into the postseason, both will be wary of any complacency.

In the series opener on Friday, home runs from Gio Urshela and Jorge Soler put Atlanta up 5-0 by the third inning. Although Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman would chip in for LA, Atlanta emerged victorious, 6-2.

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Dodgers vs Braves recent form and records

On account of their 87-60 record, the Dodgers continue to lead the NL West, boasting a 4.5 game advantage over the San Diego Padres. 5-5 over their last 10 games, LA is fresh off a high-scoring series loss to the Cubs. Over the three-game set, 41 runs were scored by both teams.

Atlanta is not enjoying the world-beating success that they did in 2023. Now 80-67, the Braves are eight games behind the Phillies in the NL East, and 6-4 in their last ten. When it comes to the NL Wild Card race, things are tight. Atlanta now trails the New York Mets by one game for the final Wild Card slot.

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Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

LAD: Jack Flaherty (12-6, 2.86 ERA) vs ATL: Chris Sale (16-3, 2.38 ERA)

Flaherty has a 1.161 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 47 K in 41.1 IP.

Last Start: Win, 7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K vs CLE

Career vs LAD: 1-1 4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 8 ER) 1 HR in 3 Games

Sale has a 0.996 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 213 K in 166.2 IP.

Last Start: ND, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K vs TOR

Career vs LAD: 0-1 10.13 ERA (10.2 IP, 12 ER) 1 HR in 3 Games

"Chris Sale leads the league in ERA" - FOX Sports: MLB

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Must-Watch Hitters

Dodgers

As always, Mookie Betts is making a difference. The former Boston Red Sox MVP Award winner has slashed .311/.380/.689 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in his last 12 games. Additionally, Betts' .391 on-base percentage this season leads all qualified NL hitters.

Although he has gone a mediocre 12 for his last 49, Shohei Ohtani has milked four home runs and eight RBIs. A career .405 hitter against the Braves, Ohtani has four home runs and seven RBIs in 10 games against Atlanta.

He had a late start to the season, but shortstop Tommy Edman has been mashing since making his season debut last season. Over his last three games, Edman has hit four home runs and seven RBIs, including two two-home run outings against the Chicago Cubs last week.

"Back-to-back 2 HR games for Tommy Edman" - MLB

Braves

Currently four home runs away from setting a career high, Marcell Ozuna remains one of his team's most valuable assets. A .273 hitter over the past two weeks, Ozuna has 11 home runs and 27 RBIs in 56 career games against LA.

Over his past four games, Matt Olson has hit .368 with four RBIs. Although he won't come close to his figures from 2023 that saw him lead the NL in home runs and RBIs, the first baseman remains an ever-present threat.

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Dodgers vs Braves baseball betting odds

Friday 14/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Los Angeles Dodgers	+110	+1.5 -200	O 7.5 -115
Atlanta Braves	-130	-1.5 +165	U 7.5 -105

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Dodgers vs expert picks and game prediction

Despite their loss last night, the Dodgers remain the superior team, at least on paper.

Over the past two weeks, LA has scored 60 runs, compared to the 42 puts up by the Braves. Moreover, the Dodgers rank fourth in MLB in batting average during that time, while the Braves come in at #23 during the same period.

The Braves boast the best ERA in MLB, and a lot of that is thanks to Chris Sale, but Sale has struggled in his limited exposure to the Dodgers.

Run Line: +1.5 -200

Total Runs: O 7.5 -115

Prediction: Dodgers W, 8-6