At the onset of manager Terry Francona’s arrival in 2013 the Cleveland Indians have been taken seriously as a top contender. Francona gave this then struggling franchise instant credibility. During his tenure the Tribe has made the post season four times. That included a painful seven game World Series loss to the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In turn Cleveland is again a baseball betting games favorite to make the post season. Atlanta was a surprise playoff team in 2018. As a result, the Braves now must prove to skeptics that they are here to stay as a contender.
Atlanta Braves vs. Cleveland Indians
Date and Time: Sunday, April 21, 2019, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
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Braves vs. Indians TV Coverage: ESPN
Of great concern to gamblers this year was whether or not the Braves were going to take a big step back. Following their shocker of a National League East championship in 2018 were concerns of Atlanta coming too far too fast. So far, the Braves have shown they intend to stay with nine wins in their first 15 games. Pitching used to be Braves strength back in their glory days. However, Atlanta’s staff is off to a mediocre start. Overall the Braves ranks only 17th for staff earned run average. Run production that ranks eighth in MLB offsets that.
Cleveland began the season with a record of 9-7 as their lineup was having trouble generating runs. To illuminate the Tribe ranks 25th for runs scored, 30th for batting average, 27th for OPS and 26th for home runs. Balanced against that is a pitching staff that ranks eighth for earned run average, fifth for quality starts and fourth for strikeouts.
At the beginning of the offshore betting season Cleveland was a top pick to win the American League Central. For one thing it is the weakest division in MLB. In comparison to the rest of the teams in the AL Central the Indians are virtual powers.
Atlanta has struggled as a baseball betting games value in recent road games. For example, the Braves have won only three of their last 12 away tilts. Atlanta has gone under the total in 11 of their last 16 on the road. By contrast Cleveland has been a strong betting value at home. In their last 18 home games the Indians have paid a total of 12 times. Six of the last 10 games a Progressive Field have seen the Indians go over the total.
Head to head this has been a relatively even sportsbook series. To illuminate the Braves and Indians have split their last 12 games. Just two of those 12 games went over the total. At Progressive Field the Tribe has taken two of their last three against the Braves. And all three games failed to go over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Progressive Field has proven to be a baseball betting games advantage for the Indians. Cleveland has been a consistent winner there. Counter to that is Atlanta’s red ink on the road. Specifically, the Tribe has the matchup edge on the mound.
Braves vs. Indians MLB Betting Odds Picks
In this situation Cleveland at home rates the call.
Braves vs. Indians Baseball Betting Online Pick: Cleveland Indians
Braves vs. Indians Baseball Betting Online Scored Prediction: Indians 5, Braves 2
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