Cincinnati (18-18) at Atlanta (16-18)
- When: May 6 2025, 5:15 PM
- Where: Truist Park, Atlanta
- Where to watch: MLB.tv
Braves vs. Reds Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Atlanta -225 | Total: 8.0
Atlanta Braves Outlook
Fresh off a dominant 4-0 shutout in Monday’s opener—powered by A.J. Smith-Shawver flirting with history—the Braves are looking to stay hot as they turn to veteran ace Chris Sale in Game 2. Atlanta has won two straight, while Cincinnati continues to slide, dropping five of its last seven.
Sale (1-3, 4.84 ERA) finally looked like the Cy Young winner of old in his last start, fanning 10 Rockies and tossing seven strong innings without a walk. Despite getting no run support, the lefty’s mechanics appear back in sync thanks to detailed video work and analytic adjustments. That spells trouble for a Reds team that has been light on offense recently.
Sale has handled Cincinnati in limited action, boasting a 3.12 ERA in two career outings, including a win last season. Expect him to carry that momentum into this matchup, especially with Atlanta’s lineup poised to do more damage behind him.
Cincinnati Reds Outlook
The Reds enter on a downward spiral and just lost rookie spark plug Tyler Callihan to a broken forearm. It’s a tough blow to a team already searching for answers at the plate. Lefty Andrew Abbott (2-0, 2.84 ERA) will try to stop the bleeding.
Abbott’s 50th career start was cut short by a rain delay, but the 24-year-old continues to show promise. His new changeup adds depth to a growing arsenal, and he’s kept hitters off-balance through his first few turns. Still, facing the Braves’ high-octane offense on the road is a much taller order than St. Louis in a weather-shortened start.
He’s never faced Atlanta, and the challenge will be significant with hitters like Olson, Riley, and Albies ready to pounce.
MLB Prediction:
Atlanta’s offense should provide the run support Sale lacked last time out. Combine that with Cincinnati’s injury concerns and bullpen fatigue, and the edge is clearly with the Braves.
Final Score Prediction: Braves 5, Reds 2
Lean: Atlanta RL -1.5 (-105)
Total:
Under 8.0 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
