Free MLB Picks Today: Cleveland Guardians vs Atlanta Braves 7/4/23

Hot-hitting Ronald Acuna Jr. will be looking to extend his 14-game hitting streak as the Atlanta Braves (57-27) match up against the Cleveland Guardians (41-43) at Progressive Field on Tuesday.

The Braves took Monday’s series opener 4-2, their ninth straight victory overall. Starter Bryce Elder got the win, giving up two runs on seven hits over 6.2 innings, and Raisel Iglesias picked up his 15th save with a scoreless ninth.

Michael Harris II was 2 for 3 with two solo home runs in the win. Steven Kwan went 3 for 5 with a double and one run for the Guardians.

ON THE MOUND

Kolby Allard (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is set to take the mound for Atlanta. The LHP threw 4.2 scoreless innings in his last start, a 3-0 road win over the Twins on Wednesday.

He yielded three hits while striking out eight and walking one in the no-decision. For Cleveland, right-hander Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.48 ERA) gets the ball.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves. In his last start on Thursday, Bieber took a no-decision on the road against the Royals. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 4-3 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 7.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.6, thanks in part to greater slugging (.644 vs .497).

Against righties like Bieber this season, the Braves have a .817 OPS, the highest in MLB. Acuna Jr. has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .412 over 236 at-bats.

Cleveland is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Guardians have a .670 OPS against Southpaws in 2023, the fourth lowest in the league. With a .821 OPS over 82 at-bats, Andres Gimenez has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is on a three-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 27-12 in 2023. The Braves have scored 5.6 runs per game away from home while allowing 3.6 runs.

Cleveland has gone 20-20 at Progressive Field this season, averaging 3.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In seven games between the teams at Progressive Field, Atlanta is 5-2 with an average scoreline of 5.7-4.7.