MLB: Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves (21-10) will look to finish a three-game sweep as they take on the Miami Marlins (16-15) in the series finale Thursday. The Marlins will host this one at Loan Depot Park, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 pm ET.
The Braves blanked the Marlins 6-0 on Tuesday, and they followed that up with a 14-6 drubbing of Miami on Wednesday.
The Marlins are the slight favorites in this one playing at home. They are -116 to win, while the Braves’ moneyline sits at -102. The runline features Miami +1.5 (-192), and the over/under for total runs is 8.5 (-110).
Atlanta Off To Dominating Start
At 21-10, the Braves not only have the best record in the NL East, but they have the best record in the entire National League. Currently holding a five-game lead on the Marlins and New York Mets in the division, they will look to continue their hot start and pick up another win on Thursday.
Taking the ball for the Braves in this one will be 24-year-old lefty Dylan Dodd. He has had two starts for the Braves this season, but hasn’t pitched particularly well thus far. He is 1-1, but he has a 7.71 ERA and 1.82 WHIP in 9.1 innings of work.
The Braves’ offense was in full force on Tuesday. The team hit six home runs, including two from Marcell Ozuna. The hottest hitter to date for Atlanta has been second baseman Ozzie Albies, who is hitting .275/.318/.567 with a team-leading nine home runs and 26 runs batted in.
As a team, the Braves rank eighth in scoring, averaging 5.20 runs per game this season (5.50 on the road). On defense, the team is allowing opponents 3.60 runs per game, good for third in the majors.
Marlins Hope To Salvage Finale
Despite losing the first two games of this series, the Miami Marlins have gotten off to a decent start in the division. Still, as they are just one game over .500, Miami will look to at least salvage the finale of this three-game series against their division foes.
Offensively, Jazz Chisholm Jr has gotten off to a solid start. He is hitting .239/.295/.407 with a team-leading five home runs and 13 runs batted in. He also leads the team in stolen bases with 11.
Aside from that, the Marlins have struggled a bit offensively. Only one team (Detroit) ranks worse than them in scoring as Miami is averaging just 3.30 runs per game (2.76 at home).
On the mound for the Marlins in Thursday’s game will be lefty Jesus Luzardo. In six games, he is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and he has 38 strikeouts in 33.2 innings. In his last start, a no-decision against the Cubs, he allowed two earned runs in 6.1 innings and struck out six.
Take Atlanta To Sweep
Without a doubt, the Marlins have the upper hand in terms of pitching as Dylan Dodd has struggled to deliver at the Major League level. Still, the Marlins’ offense has just been so bad that it is hard to bank on them cashing in against a struggling pitcher.
As for the Braves, they are just rolling as they have won seven of their last ten. Expect the Braves to keep the momentum going and finish the sweep.
Take Atlanta straight up at -102.