MLB Odds – Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins

The Atlanta Braves’ offense was a major disappointment in April but in May, it’s been the best in the National League. The Braves and their high scoring offense take on Ricky Nolasco and the Florida Marlins in the final game of a three game set tonight.

The MLB odd makers have this game set as a pick’em; it will cost MLB Betting fans-110 to wager on either the Braves or the Marlins. The game total is set at 8 runs.

MLB Betting Odds
May 27, 2010
Atlanta Braves +1½ -225 -110
Tim Hudson – R
Florida Marlins -1½ +185 -110
Ricky Nolasco – R
Game Total 8
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami FL
Game Time: 7:10pm
TV: SPSO, FSFL

The Braves offense could only muster 85 runs in all of April, which put them behind 24 other teams in the majors. In May they have pounded out 128 runs which puts them at the top of the National League in runs scored. While the rest of the Braves are heating up, Atlanta’s Super Rookie Jason Heyward’s power numbers are slowing down, after knocking out eight homeruns in his first 32 games, he has only connected on one in his past ten games.

On the mound for the Braves tonight is Tim Hudson, Hudson is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA, he’s walking as many as he’s striking out 23/26 and like the Braves offense, he’s turned up the intensity in May. The veteran right-hander is 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA in four May starts. He should finish off the Marlins tonight to make it a perfect month, in 15 career starts against the Marlins he’s 8-2 and more impressive 6-1 in Miami.

Ricky Nolasco is coming off his worst start of the year. He gave up eight runs on 10 hits while only lasting five and a third innings in last Friday’s 8-0 loss to the White Sox. On the season, Nolasco is 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA. He’s shown good control despite the mediocre record and ERA as he’s only walked 11 batters this season compared to 41 strikeouts. At home, he’s been a little worse than on the road with a record of 1-2 in four starts.

When the line came out as a pick’em, I had to double check to makes sure there wasn’t something wrong with Tim Hudson. This game will be a close one but Hudson should get the win here and the Braves offense will continue to roll into June.