Atlanta (25-28) at Philadelphia (35-19)
- When: May 29 2025, 1:05 PM
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Where to watch: FDSSO
Braves vs. Phillies – Game #1 Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Philadelphia -155 | Total: 8.5
Philadelphia Phillies Preview
The Phillies are red-hot and rolling into Thursday’s doubleheader opener with all the momentum in the world. Winners of 10 of their last 11 games, they’ve done it with a perfect blend of pitching dominance and timely hitting. After Wednesday’s rainout, they’ll send Cristopher Sanchez (4-1, 3.17 ERA) to the mound for the matinee game a lefty who’s been a model of consistency in 2025. Sanchez has held opponents to three runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts this season. And while he’s 0-3 with a 4.32 ERA in his career against Atlanta, this is his first crack at them this year and this version of the Braves lineup hasn’t been nearly as dangerous lately.
Philly has been taking care of business against good teams and bad, and the crowd at Citizens Bank Park has been electric during this recent heater. Expect them to ride the wave behind Sanchez, especially with the bullpen fresh thanks to Wednesday’s postponement.
Atlanta Braves Preview
Atlanta enters Game 1 of the doubleheader looking to snap out of a funk, having lost five of its last six games. What’s more concerning is that they’ve scored three runs or fewer in four of those six losses. They’ll give the ball to AJ Smith-Shawver (3-2, 3.67 ERA), who badly needs a bounce-back performance after getting rocked by the Nationals for seven earned runs in three innings his last time out. That outing crushed his recent ERA trend, as he had allowed just one earned run across 19.2 innings over his previous three starts.
The good news for Atlanta? Smith-Shawver has yet to face the Phillies, so the element of unfamiliarity could play in his favor. The bad news? The Phillies are one of the hottest offenses in baseball and have made a habit of punishing pitchers early and often during this surge.
Final Score Prediction:
The Phillies are too hot to fade right now. Sanchez gives them a reliable arm in Game 1, and Atlanta hasn’t shown enough with the bat lately to justify an upset. Stick with the home team to cash.
Score Prediction: Phillies 6, Braves 3
Side: Philadelphia RL -1.5 (+140)
Best Bet: Over 8.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
