Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction, Picks and Preview – June 15, 2015

The Boston Red Sox’s (27-37) are definitely in need of a pick-me-up win after being mercilessly bludgeoned by the Toronto Blue Jays in a previous three-game series. The Atlanta Braves (30-33), meanwhile, look to bounce back after losing a high-scoring game (10-8) against the Mets on Sunday. Read on for this tasty interleague showdown.

For more of Monday’s top baseball action, you can click here for a preview of tonight’s matchup between the Mariners and the Giants.
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Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox Preview

Where: Fenway Park, Boston

When: Monday, June 15, 2015, 7:00 PM ET

Line:  Atlanta Braves (+135) vs. Boston Red Sox (-150); total: 9.0 – view all MLB lines

Betting on the Atlanta Braves

[sc:MLB240banner ]Williams Perez (2-0, 2.78 ERA) is slowly becoming a pitcher to watch out for in the National League. After making a forgettable season debut (as a reliever) on May 8, Perez has reeled in a 2-0 record in five starts since. That stretch includes his dominating pitching performance on Wednesday, wherein Perez tossed seven scoreless innings to go along with five K’s to lead the Braves into a 4-1 win over San Diego. It’s the second time in his last three starts that he didn’t give up a run.

Perez will bring his stuff later tonight to Fenway Park, where the Braves haven’t had much success over the last few years. Dating back to 2007, the Braves are just 3-7 over their last 10 and 0-4 in the past four games in Beantown.

Nick Markakis, meanwhile, hopes that his familiarity with Fenway Park will help Atlanta halt its skid there. Markakis has a career average of .275 in 75 games played in Boston. Other than the location, Markakis also seems to have a good read of Boston starter, Rick Porcello. The Braves leadoff hitter has career slashes of .375/.429/.542 with a double and a home run in 24 at-bats opposite Porcello.

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Betting on the Boston Red Sox

Don’t ask Rick Porcello (4-6, 5.26 ERA) how he’s doing of late. In the midst of a disappointing streak of performances, Porcello will get another crack at ending his slump when he takes on the visiting Braves.

Porcello has gone winless in his last four starts, going 0-4 with a 7.30 ERA during that span. His control has been terrific, however, in his last two starts, wherein he hasn’t issued a walk in 13 1/3 total innings. That aspect of his game should help him against Atlanta’s hitters, who are among the leaders in the NL in walks.  With Porcello still searching for top form, the Red Sox’s hitters will have added pressure to produce later tonight.

Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts have been the two best Red Sox hitters this June, as they are batting .373 and .370, respectively, in 10 games this month. Meanwhile, Pablo Sandoval is hitting his stride as of late, as he is batting .348 with a homer and six RBIs over his last six games.

The under is 3-1 in Porcello’s last four home starts.

Writer’s Prediction

Boston (-150) wins, 5-3.
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