Free MLB Picks Today: Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins 7/1/23

A pair of hot hitters are set to face off when the Miami Marlins (48-35) take on the Atlanta Braves (54-27) at Truist Park on Saturday, as Bryan De La Cruz and his 11-game hitting streak visit Ronald Acuna Jr. and his 11-game streak.

The Braves took Friday’s series opener 16-4, their sixth straight victory overall and fourth in a row head-to-head, including seven of eight games against the Marlins this season. Michael Soroka went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out seven, to get the win.

Matt Olson went 4 for 5 with two home runs and a triple in the win. He scored four runs and drove in five. Acuna Jr. added a home run, three runs, and two RBIs. Jorge Soler was 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Marlins.

ON THE MOUND

Eury Perez (5-1, 1.34 ERA) is slated for the start for Miami. The righty threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 2-0 road win over the Pirates on Sunday. He earned the win, giving up four hits while striking out nine and walking one.

For Atlanta, right-hander Charlie Morton (7-6, 3.81 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Marlins this season, giving up one run over seven innings in a 7-4 home win on April 25.

He gave up three hits and walked two, while striking out nine in the win. In his last start on Sunday, Morton got the win on the road against the Reds. He threw five innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out seven and walking three in the 7-6 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Miami has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.1. Against right-handed pitchers like Morton this season, the Fish have a .701 OPS.

Luis Arraez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .947 OPS in 231 at-bats. Atlanta is averaging 7.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.6 for the season, with a higher slash line (.289/.362/.639).

The Braves have a .818 OPS against right-handers in 2023, highest in MLB. With a .412 OBP over 227 at-bats, Acuna Jr. has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Miami is 23-19 away from loanDepot park in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Atlanta has won eight in a row at Truist Park.

The Braves are 28-15 at home this season, averaging 5.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. Atlanta is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Truist Park with an average scoreline of 6.8-2.7.