The Atlanta Braves won the first two games of this series before the Cincinnati Reds responded with a win of their own yesterday.
My Reds vs Braves predictions key in on an unlikely offensive producer with the moneyline too up in the air.
I break it down here with my MLB picks for Thursday, May 8.
Reds vs Braves prediction
My Reds vs Braves best bet: Eli White Over 0.5 hits (-170 at bet365)
Tonight's starting pitchers have each flashed some really strong stuff, and both have made some questionable appearances.
For Cincinnati Reds lefty Nick Lodolo, that questionable start came against the Miami Marlins when he surprisingly allowed three earned runs. He followed it up by getting shelled against the Washington Nationals two starts later.
Atlanta Braves sophomore Spencer Schwellenbach has been a little more consistent, but the underlying numbers and a few questionable starts are scary. I've elected to avoid predicting a positive or negative outcome for either, and I'm focusing strictly on one very consistent hitter to take care of business.
That's Eli White.
He's been one of the most consistent pieces of offense for the Braves this season, and for whatever reason, still can't manage to get much respect from oddsmakers.
Why is White still being priced at this number? Even at this juicy price, I see value as my projections come closer to -205. This is a player who has at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 games and will see an exploitable pitcher. He also has a very good matchup, so I'll happily grab this prop.
Lodolo has four pitches in his arsenal, but he leans on two more than any: the four-seam fastball and curveball. White's the only player you'll find ranking in the Top 3 among Atlanta players in expected batting average, batting average, and hard-hit rate against the three offerings.
Furthering his efforts, he'll enter this evening ranking just above the league average in barrel rate, which makes me a good candidate to punish a trouble point for Lodolo potentially.
I'll take him to get a knock tonight at a slightly juicy price, but if you want to avoid -170, you can take the flier on Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI at even money, but it carries significantly more risk.
Reds vs Braves same-game parlay (SGP)
Eli White 1+ hits
TJ Friedl 1+ hits
Nick Lodolo Under 5.5 hits allowed
It's a hit party.
For the second leg of our same-game parlay, we're grabbing TJ Friedl to get a hit. The value isn't as strong as it is for White, but it's similar, as he favors quite well against the expected pitch mix he'll see. In addition, he's been hot lately, coming off a two-homer game last night.
We close by getting a big boost on a non-correlated leg of Nick Lodolo to allow fewer than six hits.
I see us cashing this in two ways: 1. A ground-ball pitcher takes advantage of a lineup that hits them at an above-average clip or 2. A pitcher who has given up barrels too often this season gets shelled against a team with plenty of power and is pulled early. Either way, this number should be a full hit lower.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Reds vs Braves odds
Reds vs Braves live odds
Reds vs Braves opening odds
- Moneyline: Cincinnati +140 | Atlanta -165
- Run line: Cincinnati +1.5 (-150) | Atlanta -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-105) | Under 7.5 (-115)
Reds vs Braves trend
The Atlanta Braves have hit the Team Total Under in 10 of their last 14 games (+5.20 Units / 31% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Braves.
How to watch Reds vs Braves and game info
| Location | Truist Park, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Thursday, 5-8-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNOH, FDSNSO |
| Reds starting pitcher | Nick Lodolo (3-3, 3.27 ERA) |
| Braves starting pitcher | Spencer Schwellenbach (1-3, 3.92 ERA) |
Reds vs Braves latest injuries
Reds vs Braves weather
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