Ricky Dimon
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The second half of the Major League Baseball is here, starting with a 14-game slate on Friday. It includes this showdown between the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays, which is getting same game parlay treatment. Be sure to check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total, as well.
Braves ML (-132)
Dansby Swanson to record 2+ hits (+270)
Michael Wacha Over 4.5 strikeouts (+120)
Parlay odds: +1090
Part of the value in same game parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as Dansby Swanson delivering a multi-hit would obviously go well with an Atlanta win. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with betting on the over on Michael Wacha’s strikeout quota. But even if Wacha does rack up the Ks, there is no reason why the Braves can’t take care of business. Let’s break down each of the three legs one by one.
Braves ML (-132)
Tampa Bay knows better than anyone how good of a pitcher Charlie Morton has become in the latter stages of his career. The 37-year-old spent the previous two seasons with the Rays and helped lead them to the World Series in 2020. Morton is now back with the Braves and he has held opposing hitters to a .211 average this year. Atlanta shouldn’t have to worry about pitching on Friday, but the lineup is a question mark due to all kinds of injuries. Joc Pederson was acquired from the Cubs on Thursday, however, and should start right away in right field. Wacha has been serviceable for the Rays, but Morton at home is the better choice.
Dansby Swanson to record 2+ hits (+270)
Swanson is batting just .243 this season, but he was absolutely on fire heading into the all-star break. The 27-year-old delivered four consecutive multi-hit performances prior to the hiatus, including one with three hits. He was way better against right-handed pitchers than lefties in 2020 (.294 compared to .186), so there should be no concerns with Wacha on the mound. Two more hits are by no means out of the question for Swanson.
Michael Wacha Over 4.5 strikeouts (+120)
That’s not to say Wacha can’t be successful on Friday—especially at the expense of the rest of Atlanta’s lineup. The Braves’ lineup is severely depleted, so they are probably going to have to win this one with pitching instead of hitting. Wacha has mowed down at least five batters in three straight outings, including six on one occasion and seven on another. He is pitching on eight days of rest, too, so the pitch count can be run up and a rather long start may be in the cards.
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