As the postseason approaches, the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds on September 18, 2024, could determine playoff seeds. While the Braves (81-70) chase for a playoff berth, the Reds (74-78) seek to derail those attempts as they face each other in this appetizing contest at the Great American Ball Park. With the fierce competition among the leading handicapper tips, it is necessary to gauge the performance and the odds of each team in order to bet accurately.
Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds 9/18/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 6:40 PM ET |
| Where: | Great American Ball Park |
| Watch: | BSOH, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Braves odds: | -143 Moneyline |
| Reds odds: | +121 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8.5 |
Atlanta Braves (81-70) vs. Cincinnati Reds (74-78)
The Atlanta Braves have struggled with consistency, as evidenced by their recent games when they won big and then lost badly. In their last five games, they have played poorly against Cincinnati and the LA Dodgers, raising red flags about their ability to perform in pressure situations. In the regular season, they have been able to win most of their games, But the Braves in the playoffs are a little different as this is where the trends become problematic.
| Atlanta Braves Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 17, 2024 | CIN | 5-6 | Lose |
| Sep 16, 2024 | LAD | 0-9 | Lose |
| Sep 15, 2024 | LAD | 2-9 | Lose |
| Sep 14, 2024 | LAD | 10-1 | Win |
| Sep 13, 2024 | LAD | 6-2 | Win |
On the other hand, the Cincinnati Reds have evidently been in good form at home considering their recent record at the Great American Ball Park This explains why they have been able to score and restrict their opponents on their home turf, as in their recent wins over the Braves and Minnesota. This combination of scoring and defending is what will be most effective in defeating the Braves in this next battle.
| Cincinnati Reds Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 17, 2024 | ATL | 6-5 | Win |
| Sep 15, 2024 | MIN | 2-9 | Lose |
| Sep 14, 2024 | MIN | 11-1 | Win |
| Sep 13, 2024 | MIN | 8-4 | Win |
| Sep 12, 2024 | STL | 1-6 | Lose |
Spencer Schwellenbach (6-7, 3.73 ERA) vs. Jakob Junis (4-0, 2.73 ERA)
The season of Spencer Schwellenbach has had its ups and downs. For every seemingly good performance, there is inconsistency. His ERA at 3.73 and WHIP of 1.1 is good enough, but the other side of the coin is underperformance in terms of winning. Schwellenbach is known for his ability to make batters miss, but the downside of such is the long balls he gives up, which might be a major hassle in the Reds batting lineup, which loves playing at Great American Ballpark.
As for the Reds, Jakob Junis has been a pleasant surprise. He has maintained an unblemished record and an even more impressive 2.73 ERA in which he has served on the Reds pitching staff. With an excellent strike-out-to-walk ratio, he is also very aggressive on the mound, as he does not give out free passes, which is key for a pitcher. Make no mistake; Junis will be important in handling the Braves’ fierce batting order, which may not have been in good form lately but can explode any time.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Braves -143, Total Odds: 8.5
The betting odds reflect the Braves as slight favorites, likely due to their superior season record and offensive capabilities. However, the recent trends and home-field advantage for the Reds suggest a closer contest than the odds imply. With both teams showing a propensity to push the total OVER in recent matchups, bettors might find value in expecting a high-scoring affair.
Atlanta Braves Betting Trends
The Braves are more than capable of producing runs across each of their innings as evidenced by the over total being reached in all but one of their last five games. When it comes to the last match, on the road, the team’s struggles were greatly highlighted. Atlanta may have some concerns looking at their recent matchup with the Reds as well as their general road record.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends
As for the Reds, their present condition, particularly, in the home arena, is noteworthy, as well. Cincinnati is quite confident about pulling off an upset because they have been winning at the Great American Ball Park lately and also, have been beating Atlanta in their last few meetings. Out of the batter’s box and in the ballpark, since Cruz has been steady over the last string of games against the Braves, his good hitting statistics will help them win this fight.
Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds 9/18/24 Betting Picks
Considering both the general betting overview and the recent stats, the Reds look like a team that can pull off an upset. For one, they have a good home record and have recently played well against the Braves. This is why the Reds ought to be considered. The high-scoring games often between these two teams also make the bet on total runs OVER look appealing.
Regarding MLB free picks today on side bets, most probably line up for betting on Reds to win, and perhaps the total will go OVER. Both teams’ recent scoring trends indicate they will likely go with this.