On Thursday night, the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves have an Opening Day matchup at Truist Park. The Braves are looking to celebrate their World Serious celebration with a win over the Reds.
This isn’t just an ordinary Opening Day for the Braves. Tonight marks the beginning of their title defense after beating the Houston Astros in the World Series.
Today at 4:30pm:
Come greet the reigning World Champions as they take the “Braves Walk” down Battery Avenue!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/Y9vQCjjQuu
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2022
The Astros went in as the favorites, but the Braves left with the World Series win. Atlanta chased the Astros away in six games to conclude a whirlwind season.
If there is anything to learn from the Braves’ World Series run is to not take what happens through the first two or three months as an accurate barometer.
The Braves were in shambles with injuries and legal problems for Marcell Ozuna after he was arrested for domestic violence. It’s a long season, and the Braves peaked at the perfect time.
In what many would consider a win, Cincinnati finished with a record of 83-79. The fact they were in postseason contention was a success for the Reds. Not many people had them pegged to finish better than .500.
With that season in the books, expectations are higher for the Reds. That’s the problem with being overachievers. There are loftier goals in the following season.
Head below for our free Reds vs. Braves prediction on April 7, 2022.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves Live Odds and Betting History:
The following odds are courtesy of Bovada:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Reds | +1.5 (-130) | +145 | Over 8.5 (-105) |
| Atlanta Braves | -1.5 (+110) | -177 | Under 8.5 (-115) |
| Team Data | Cincinnati Reds | Atlanta Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Away/Home Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Batting Average | .000 | .000 |
| Batting Average Away/Home | .000 | .000 |
| Runs Per 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Team ERA | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Team ERA Away/Home | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Reds vs. Braves Prediction:
The Cincinnati Reds are sending Tyler Mahle to the bump on Openinday Day in Atlanta. The Reds probably wish there was more of an ace in this rotation to put on the bump for the first game, but Mahle is consistent and can look like an ace at times.
Perhaps this could be the season where Bahle takes the extra leap into ace territory. He has recorded an ERA of 4.98, 5.14, 3.59, and 3.75 in his first full season as a member of the rotation.
Mahle is likely the best option on the road for the Reds. The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati can be a tricky place to pitch at for some hurlers, and Mahle was not a fan of pitching at home last season.
He had a 5.63 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in Cincinnati last season, though his numbers skyrocketed away on the road. As a visiting pitcher, Mahle recorded an ERA of 2.30 and a 1.04 WHIP across 18 starts.
Mahle also sets up nicely versus the Braves. He’s foiled the Braves in past starts, as this lineup is hitting just .189 with 2 home runs against him in 44 at-bats.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Trends:
Reds
- Record (Last 10): 0-0
- 9-3 overall in their previous 12 games versus NL East
- 6-1 overall in their previous seven games on a Thursday
- 0-4 overall in their previous four games as an underdog
- UNDER is 7-1 in their previous eight games versus a left-handed starter
- UNDER is 5-1 in their previous six games as an underdog
Braves
- Record (Last 10): 0-0
- 12-2 overall in their previous 14 games at home
- 8-2 overall in their previous ten games versus the NL Central
- UNDER is 6-1 in their previous six games versus a right-handed starter
- UNDER is 5-1-1 in their previous seven games
- UNDER is 8-3-1 in their previous 12 games as a betting favorite at home
After playing an important role during the Braves’ World Series postseason run, Max Fried gets the call.
He was unable to match his career-high of a 2.25 ERA from 2020, but was stellar and consistent again. Albeit, the 2020 campaign was shortened, so that may not count.
In any case, Fried was sharp with a 3.14 ERA and 1.09 WHIP during the regular season. At Truist Park, he posted an ERA of 2.94 and 1.09 WHIP in Atlanta.
The Reds have been just about useless versus Fried, as he’s nailed them down with a 0.83 batting average and .125 OBP.
Joey Votto and Brandon Drury are the only Reds to record a hit against Fried in 21 at-bats. I’m not foreseeing a slugfest in this one on Opening Day in Atlanta.
The UNDER in a 4-3 or 4-2 game looks like a good bet between the Reds and Atlanta tonight.
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