Kansas City (85-76) at Atlanta (88-71)
- When: Sep 29 2024, 3:20 PM
- Where: Truist Park, Atlanta
- Where to watch: BSSE
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Kansas City Royals @ Atlanta Braves
Moneyline
Kansas City Royals +170
Atlanta Braves -210
Kansas City Royals @ Atlanta Braves
Runline
Kansas City Royals 1.5 (-115)
Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-105)
Kansas City Royals @ Atlanta Braves
Total
Over 8.5 (EVEN)
Under 8.5 (-120)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Kansas City: Alec Marsh (8-9, 4.65)
Atlanta: Charlie Morton (8-9, 4.08)
Team Stats
| Royals | Braves | |
| 85-76 | Record | 88-71 |
| 40-40 | Away & Home | 43-38 |
| 3-7 | Last 10 | 7-3 |
| L2 | Streak | W5 |
Game Preview
The Atlanta Braves can secure a playoff spot with a win over the Kansas City Royals in their series finale on Sunday.
Atlanta (88-71) moved closer to clinching after Travis d’Arnaud’s walk-off homer led them to a 2-1 victory on Saturday, alongside losses from the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves now hold a one-game lead for the second wild-card spot in the National League.
To guarantee a postseason berth, the Braves need either a win against the Royals or a Diamondbacks loss to the San Diego Padres.
"This is huge—it’s playoff baseball," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "A lot of emotions are involved. This is what we strive for."
The Braves are on a five-game winning streak and have taken seven of their last eight games.
Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton (8-9, 4.08 ERA), who hasn’t pitched since September 20, will start for Atlanta. He holds a 2-2 record with a 4.15 ERA in five career starts against Kansas City.
First baseman Matt Olson is enjoying a strong September, batting .329 this month. He has a career average of .306 against the Royals, with 30 RBIs in 31 games.
The Royals (85-76) have already clinched a postseason spot and are looking to improve their seeding. They sit one game behind the Detroit Tigers for the second wild-card spot in the American League. A win against Atlanta, combined with a Tigers loss to the Chicago White Sox, would tie the two teams, but the Royals would hold the tiebreaker.
"We’re focused on winning," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "We need to find ways to score runs against their great pitching, especially heading into the playoffs."
Bobby Witt Jr. returns to the Royals lineup after resting for the first time this season on Saturday.
"It’s bittersweet since I aimed to play all 162 games," he said. "But I want to be fully prepared for postseason baseball, something I’ve dreamed of since childhood."
Right-hander Alec Marsh (8-9, 4.65 ERA) will start for Kansas City, facing the Braves for the first time in his career.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Atlanta 5-2
Expert Pick: Atlanta -210 & Under 8½ (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $271
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
