World Series contenders are set to meet this afternoon in the Bronx. The Braves (70-46) have a stranglehold over the NL East, looking to make a deep postseason run. As for the Yankees (65-51), it’s been a hectic summer trying to keep pace with the Rays and scorching-hot Red Sox. It’ll be a battle between aces on the mound, with Chris Sale pitching for Atlanta and Gerrit Cole for New York. Who has the edge in Saturday’s marquee matchup?
The Braves are favorites (-136) over the Yankees; the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s showdown between Atlanta and New York on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Braves vs. Yankees pick, best bet today
- Braves vs. Yankees under 7.5 runs (-117): Sale has been unhittable lately, and New York’s shorthanded offense doesn’t offer much resistance. On the other side, Cole’s elite command should serve him well against an undisciplined Atlanta lineup. Back the under this afternoon in New York.
Braves vs. Yankees prediction, preview
It took an impressive late-game comeback for the Yankees to earn a win on Friday. Prior to yesterday’s loss, the Braves had reeled off eight straight victories. They’ll look to bounce back tonight with staff ace Sale on the mound. It’s been a terrific campaign from the southpaw, in contention for his second career Cy Young award. Through 117.0 innings (20 starts), the veteran has notched a 2.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 143 strikeouts (11.0 K/9). In addition, Sale leads all National League pitchers with a minuscule 0.6 HR/9 ratio. Over his last 22.0 frames, the 37-year-old has allowed just three earned runs (1.23 ERA).
If the Yankees were at full strength, they might be able to muster up some runs. However, this depleted unit has looked absolutely lost at the plate. Since the start of August, the Pinstripes have scored the fourth-fewest runs (17) in baseball. Friday’s late-inning comeback against Braves closer Raisel Iglesias could be the spark that this group needs going forward. It also helps that New York was able to work Atlanta’s bullpen. Regardless, Sale is a particularly bad matchup for the Bronx Bombers. Over the past two months, they’ve recorded the fourth-worst OPS against left-handed pitching (.644).
Sale isn’t the only big name toeing the slab this afternoon. As previously mentioned, Cole will get the nod for New York on Saturday. After making his season debut in late May, the right-hander needed some time to shake off the rust. Fortunately, he’s finally looking like his old self. During six appearances since the start of July, the six-time All-Star has a stellar 2.75 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 44 strikeouts (11.0 K/9). He’s also been slightly better this season when pitching at Yankee Stadium. The biggest key for the 35-year-old is limiting walks (2.1 BB/9).
Keeping that in mind, things may be looking up for Cole. The Braves are only averaging 2.97 walks per game, third-fewest in the majors. Granted, that’s one of the only areas where this offense struggles. Atlanta is sixth in runs scored (570), fourth in home runs (157) and seventh in OPS (.736). However, this isn’t the most advantageous matchup for the visitors. Cole throws a fastball nearly half of the time, topping out at just over 96 MPH. Against four-seamers at that speed or faster, Braves batters are slashing just .226/.302/.332 at the plate.
Best Bet: Braves vs. Yankees under 7.5 runs (-117)
Atlanta wields a top-notch offense, but their lack of walks and issues hitting the fastball could make things difficult. As for the Yankees, there’s no reason to believe they’ll tee off against a formidable lefty such as Sale. With two aces on the mound, scoring could be in short supply.
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