NL East rivals meet in Tuesday in baseball betting as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets. It is the second game of a brief two-game series between the two teams. The Braves could have a tough time in this MLB betting matchup since Johan Santana is scheduled to pitch for New York.
Baseball betting odds normally favor Santana when he is on the mound. He is 3-2 on the season with a 3.88 ERA. He was excellent last Wednesday in Miami as he allowed just six hits and one unearned run against the Marlins while NL East striking out five. Santana has pitched well in his career at Turner Field as he has a 1.71 ERA there. Last year he was 1-2 with a 1.33 ERA against the Braves.
Atlanta struggled for a while this season vs. the baseball betting odds but they are working their way back to the .500 mark. One reason they are playing better is first baseman Troy Glaus. He was ripping the ball last week and over an 18 game stretch he was hitting .371 with two home runs, three doubles and 15 RBIs. “It’s still the same swing I’ve had the last 15 years,” Glaus said. “Now I’m finding some holes and earlier I wasn’t. I’ve felt good all year; it’s just a matter of being productive. Lately, I’ve had opportunities with guys in scoring position, and I was able to come through.” Not only is Glaus good on offense, he is excellent at first base defensively. “He’s been incredible on scoops,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. “I don’t know how he does it. He’s really taken to it. He’s a good target, too.”
Before this series began, the Braves had won 13 of the last 20 in baseball betting against the Mets. The teams played three games earlier this season in New York and the Braves got swept as they scored a total of three runs in the three games. The Mets won 1-0, 3-1 and 5-2. All three of those games went under the MLB betting total. This has been a home team series and the Braves have won six of the last seven at home against the Mets. The Braves have been a far better team this season at home so that is something to keep in mind in this baseball betting contest.