MLB Playoff Watch - Atlanta Braves Battle Colorado

by Fairway Jay

The Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves continue a weekend series in Atlanta as both teams push for the playoffs. Colorado took the opening games of the 4-game series Friday 5-3 as the Rockies rallied for 3 runs in the 9^thinning to snap the Braves 5-game winning streak, which MLB betting enthusiasts had been riding.

Colorado has not scored more than 6 runs in a single game since July 20th, a 24-game span which sets a new franchise mark for the longest streak of plating six or fewer runs.

Also in that time frame, the team ranks third-worst in the National League in average (.234) and RBIs (87) as well as last in the majors in average with runners in scoring position (.156). The Rockies were 0-for-4 Thursday prior to Ryan McMahan’s game-tying hit and David Dahl’s 2-run, go-ahead single in the 9^thinning.

The Braves (68-52) lead the NL East by 1.5 games over the Phillies as the series continues into the weekend. The Rockies (65-56) trail the Diamondbacks by 1.5 games in the NL West with the Dodgers 2-games behind.

Eight teams remain in serious playoff contention in the National League with three others playing .500 baseball and still holding hope.

Playoff chances into the weekend:

Atlanta Braves – 62%     Colorado Rockies - 25%

Weekend probable starting pitchers

Friday, August 17th COR - Kyle Freeland (10-7) / 3.02 ERA ATL - Sean Newcomb (10-5) / 3.40 ERA

MLB Betting Line: Atlanta (-125) / Rockies (+115) / Total 8.5 Two promising young left-handers, both 25, faceoff Friday with Freeland in better form. The Rockies lefty has allowed just 2 runs combined in his last two starts while pitching 7 full innings in each outing. He struck out a career-high 10 batters in a no-decision 3-2 win over LA and picked up the victory the previous start allowing just 2 hits and zero runs over Pittsburgh.

Saturday, August 18th COL: Antonio Senzatela (4-3) / 4.56 ERA ATL: Mike Foltynewicz (10-7) / 2.86 ERA

Sunday, August 19th COR - German Marquez (10-9) / 4.51 ERA ATL - Anibal Sanchez (6-3) / 3.07 ERA

MLB Betting Trends The Atlanta Braves are hitting .251 in the month of August; its lowest batting average of any month this season. Atlanta has scored 4.4 runs per game in August.

The Colorado Rockies are hitting .224 in the month of August; its lowest batting average of any month this season. Colorado has scored a season-low 3.4 runs per game in August.