The Cincinnati Reds notched an 11-2 triumph in Saturday’s contest with the Atlanta Braves, cashing as 120 road favorites to even up the weekend series.  Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips cracked two doubles in a 3-for-5 day, while mates Edgar Renteria and Todd Frazier logged three RBIs each. 

Sunday night’s finale between the foes has Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy (3-2, 3.75 ERA) listed to oppose Reds southpaw Dontrelle Willis (0-1, 3.38 ERA).  Sportsbooks opened Beachy as the 125 MLB odds favorite, while first setting the ‘total’ at nine ‘under’ (minus 115). 

Beachy and the Braves

Beachy logged a sizable loss in Tuesday’s 12-3 defeat as a 129 road dog against the Colorado Rockies.  The 24-year-old was lit up for six runs in 4 2/3 innings (102 pitches), including two homers. 

Braves slugger Dan Uggla poked two solo-shot homers, finishing 2-for-4.  Uggla’s mates Martin Prado and Brian McCann also had hot bats, uniting to hit 4-for-8. 

The lopsided affair’sbined 15 runs soared ‘over’ the ‘total’ of nine.  Braves relievers Cory Gearrin and Scott Proctor allowed Colorado’s remaining six runs in 2 1/3 innings. 

Atlanta is 29-23 in its first 52 road games, with the ‘over’ going 26-23-3.  Beachy is 2-1 in six outings away from home, posting a 1.10 WHIP and .280 OBP. 

Willis and the Reds

Willis makes his third start for Cincinnati, following Monday’s 2-0 loss as a 102 road dog against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The ninth-year veteran stood in for 4 2/3 innings (69 pitches), allowing both of Pittsburgh’s runs. 

Three Reds relievers allowed just one hit between them in the final 3 1/3 frames.  Aroldis Chapman closed out the battle, tossing two strikeouts in the eighth inning. 

The duel’s two runs dipped ‘under’ the ‘total’ of nine.  Cincinnati’s Ramon Hernandez and Miguel Cairo united to bat 0-for-7, plunging their team’s hitting to 3-for-29. 

The Reds are 26-23 in their first 49 home dates, with the ‘over’ cashing at 28-18-3.  Dusty Baker’s club has hit .255 at Great American Ball Park against right-handed pitching. 

Today’s Matchup

Tonight’s first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. (ET).  The weather forecast in Cincinnati calls for an 88-degree night, with a 40-percent chance of thunderstorms.  Umpire Lance Barksdale is listed to call the balls and strikes, with the ‘over’ collecting at 4-1-1 in his last six games behind the plate. 

MLB bettors shouls back Willis and the Reds, taking a home-dog price of plus 110. 

Willis has not gotten the money in two road starts, but has held his own giving up four runs in abined 10 2/3 IP.  “The D-Train” may not have his two-time All-Star form of yesteryear, but has yet to give up a homer in that span. 

Atlanta’s lineup has struggled against lefties, hitting .183 against southpaws on the road.  Braves sluggers Alex Gonzalez and Brian McCann have specifically had trouble against Willis in the past, uniting for a lifetime 2-for-10. 

Beachyes into Cincy off his shakiest outing of the year, which some may throw out due to Coors Field’s unique conditions.  However, he has given up at least one long ball in four of his five other road outings.  Beachy’s last eight starts as the MLB betting favorite have seen the Braves go a meager 2-6, making the road ‘chalk’ premium not worth the risk here. 

Look for Cincy and its .258 BA against righties at home to provide run support for Willis, who should have his mates and fans rallying in his first home start.  The Reds are 10-1 in the third game of their last 11 series, with a plus-money ticket looming in Sunday night’s finale.

My Pick: Take the Reds

 

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