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Atlanta (61-75) at Philadelphia (79-57)
- When: Aug 31 2025, 7:10 PM
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Where to watch: ESPN
Luzardo vs Waldrep is the Duel Before the Dingers
Moneyline: Philadelphia (-164)
Runline: Philadelphia -1.5 (+128)
Total: 8.5
Atlanta Braves Preview
The Braves are limping into Philadelphia like the guy who shows up late to poker night and immediately goes all-in with a seven-deuce offsuit. At 61-75, and with a road record that looks like it belongs to a last-place beer league softball team (28-42), Atlanta’s playoff hopes are long gone.
But don’t tell Hurston Waldrep that. The rookie right-hander has been lights out, 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA. That’s not just good, that’s “grandma just tried espresso for the first time” electric. He’s been mowing hitters down with the calm of a man who probably still has his signing bonus sitting untouched. Atlanta fans may not have much else to cling to this season, but Waldrep has been a rare bright spot.
Offensively, though? Let’s just say the Braves’ bats have been as reliable as a hotel Wi-Fi connection. Ozzie Albies and Jurickson Profar are doing their best, but the lineup as a whole feels like it’s playing “Guess Who?” with production every night.
Philadelphia Phillies Preview
Philadelphia, on the other hand, is flexing like the heavyweight champ of the division. At 79-57 and riding a five-game home winning streak, they’ve turned Citizens Bank Park into a fortress of dingers, walk-offs, and overpriced cheesesteaks.
Kyle Schwarber has apparently decided he’s allergic to singles, slugging 49 home runs while hitting just .247. But hey, when you’re hitting baseballs into orbit, who cares about hitting the occasional grounder? Meanwhile, Trea Turner has been red-hot, racking up extra-base hits like he’s trying to pad his frequent flyer miles.
On the mound, it’ll be Jesus Luzardo, who has a 12-6 record but also a 4.23 ERA, which basically screams: “I will look dominant, then suddenly give up a three-run homer just to keep you humble.” Still, his strikeout stuff plays well at home, and Philadelphia has enough offense to cover for any slip-ups.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
The Phillies enter as -164 moneyline favorites, with the total at 8.5 runs. Atlanta’s rookie sensation Waldrep could keep this close, but Philadelphia’s lineup has too much firepower, and Luzardo is good enough to hold down a Braves offense that’s been sputtering.
This feels like one of those games where the Braves hang around until the bullpen shows up and ruins everything.
Final Score Prediction: Phillies 6, Braves 3
Bets Bet: Philadelphia -1.5 (+128)
Total: Over 8.5 (-120)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
