New York Mets (73-60) +130, o/u 8½ at Atlanta Braves (69-65), 7:35 pm Eastern Friday
by Zman of Predictem.com
A first-place team woozy after getting hit hard this week will take on one of its pursuers when the New York Mets visit Atlanta for the opener of a three-game weekend series with the Braves.
New York has lost five games in a row after getting swept four games in Philadelphia by the Phillies. So the Mets now lead second-place Philly by just two games in the National League's East Division, and the third-place Braves by 4½.
Atlanta just took two of three games in Florida vs. the Marlins, but has lost six of its last nine.
The Braves lead the season series with New York this year eight games to four, having taken two of three in every series the teams have played.
The Mets are 38-30 on the road this season, and 10-14 as underdogs.
Atlanta is 34-31 at home this year, and 53-38 as favorites.
New York will give the pill to John Maine (13-8, 3.68) for Friday's series opener against Tim Hudson (15-6, 3.23) for the Braves.
Maine has allowed nine ER and 28 baserunners (hits + walks) in his last 16 1/3 IP. The Mets are 16-10 in Maine's starts this season, the o/u 13-11.
Maine has started just once in his career vs. Atlanta, giving up six ER and 10 baserunners in 5 1/3 IP of a 7-6 New York loss three weeks ago.
Hudson has allowed 11 ER and 31 baserunners in his last 19 IP. The Braves are 20-8 in Hudson's starts this year, the o/u 16-10.
Hudson has started six times vs. the Mets this year and last, giving up 20 ER and 53 baserunners in 41 IP.
New York owns a .341 team OBP this season, which ranks ninth in the majors, and is averaging 4.8 runs per game.
Atlanta owns a .342 team OBP this year, seventh-best in the league, and is averaging 5.1 RPG.
The Mets bullpen has been brutal lately, allowing 14 ER and 37 baserunners in its last 16 IP.
The Braves pen has limited opponents to just one ER and 17 baserunners in its last 15 2/3 IP.
The o/u is 61-65 in New York games this season, 71-54 in Atlanta games, and 33-29 in games played at Turner Field.
The Predictem.com Pick: Over 9 runs.
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