Dodgers at Braves 8/17/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Los Angeles Dodgers play the second game of a three-game series on the road Saturday against the National League East leading Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers lost on Thursday to the Miami Marlins 13-7. Los Angeles lost despite Cody Bellinger blasting his 40th home run of the season, which leads the National League. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for LA.

Atlanta lost on Thursday 10-8 to the New York Mets. Atlanta hit six home runs in the loss including three during a rally that came up short in the ninth. Josh Donaldson and Freddie Freeman each hit two home runs, while Ronald Acuna Jr. homered as did Matt Joyce. Atlanta leads the NL East by 5 ½ games over the Washington Nationals. Cody Bellinger leads Los Angeles with a .317 batting average, 135 hits, 40 home runs and 93 RBIs. The Dodgers are averaging .260 at the plate, while opponents are averaging .226. On Saturday, the Dodgers will send Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound. The southpaw is 12-2 with an ERA of 1.45, 121 Ks and 17 BBs.

Freddie Freeman leads Atlanta with a .311 batting average and in RBIs with 98. Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves in home runs with 35 and hits with 149. Atlanta hitters are averaging .264 at the plate, while opposing batters are averaging .258. On Saturday, the Braves will send Mike Foltynewicz to the mound. The right-hander is 4-5 with an ERA of 6.24, 64 Ks and 24 BBs.