A rematch of last season’s World Series could also be a preview of things to come when the Houston Astros visit the Atlanta Braves on FOX Saturday Baseball. Favored to win the 2021 Fall Classic, the Astros were bitten by the Braves in six games.
There could be a revenge factor in play and with a second straight AL West title all but secured Houston can focus solely on taking out the opponent. The Braves used a late surge to win the NL East last season winning the title despite having the fewest wins of any playoff team. They are 11 games better this season than at the same point last year, but they find themselves trailing the Mets for the top spot. Barring a major collapse the Braves will at least have a chance to defend their title.
Houston Astros vs Atlanta Braves Date & Time
This interleague matchup takes place on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Truist Park. The game will air live on FOX with betting options for every game on the 2022 MLB schedule available at BookMaker.eu.
Houston Astros vs Atlanta Braves Odds
Houston Astros (Check Back Later)
Atlanta Braves (Check Back Later)
Total (Check Back Later)
Season So Far…
We haven’t had a World Series rematch since the Dodgers and Yankees went back-to-back in 1977 and 1978. The addition of wild cards makes things easier and more difficult at the same time. Prior to 1994 only division winners reached the postseason. One wild card in each league was introduced in 1994 with that number increasing to two in 2012. Starting this season three teams in each league qualify for a wild card. So it’s easier to get into the playoffs, but more games and series make it harder to reach the final round.
It appears as though the Astros won’t be worrying about a wild card entry. They have a big lead in the AL West poised for their second straight crown and fifth in the last six years winning 63.6 percent of their games. They’ve done it behind a strong pitching staff with the second-best ERA and WHIP in baseball. It’s allowed the ‘Stros to post the second-highest UNDER percentage in MLB at 61.4 with that number soaring to 66.1 percent in road games giving them the highest percentage.
The Braves went on another tear tightening the race in the NL East while hoping a massive four-game set with the first-place Mets immediately preceding this series doesn’t take too much of an emotional toll. Atlanta entered June three games under .500 and 10.5 games back in the standings then proceeded to reel off 14 straight wins. They dropped four of five to the Mets a few weeks ago but responded by winning their next eight games.
Bolstered by an offense that averages nearly 5.0 runs per game and ranks second in home runs and OPS, the Braves won 49 of 68 games since June 1 and have the second-highest OVER percentage. Austin Riley with 30 leads three players with at least 20 homers and every regular starter has double-digit bombs.
Probable Pitchers
The Astros average more than a run per below their season total when Cristian Javier (7-8, 2.96 ERA) takes the mound. The poor guy has outstanding numbers allowing only 70 hits with a 1.03 WHIP and 138 strikeouts over 106.1 innings yet he has a losing record. He had his best outing last time out blanking the Athletics on one hit over six innings earning his first win in six weeks.
Javier is facing the Braves for the first time in the regular season though he has a history with them. He made three relief appearances in the World Series getting touched for three homers and four runs in three innings. Javier has completed at least five innings in each of his last five starts with the Braves playing below the total in four of them.
Unlike his counterpart, Spencer Strider (7-4, 3.04 ERA) has gotten all kinds of support from his mates. Twice in his last three starts the Braves scored 13 runs with Strider picking up a pair of wins. He did his part in those games, though, allowing one run in each while tossing at least five innings with 17 strikeouts. He joined the rotation in May after posting a 2.22 ERA with 37 Ks over 24.1 innings in seven relief appearances. He’s allowed two earned runs or less in 10 of his 14 starts with a 3.33 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 70.1 innings.
Houston Astros vs Atlanta Braves Predictions
Two strong starters and top-5 bullpens have me leaning toward the UNDER in this matchup. And with the Braves in the middle of a first-place fight they may have more at stake since Houston pretty much has the NL West conquered. The Astros won’t have outside influences and getting some sort of revenge is small consolation, but it will be worth it.
Our Prediction: Houston Astros / UNDER
