Wednesday MLB preview: Braves at Brewers, Dodgers at Phillies

Atlanta Braves (58-38) at Milwaukee Brewers (49-47), 2:10 p.m.

Dallas Keuchel (3-2, 3.09 ERA) (ATL) +110 / -1.5 runs (+135) / Over 10 runs (-115) Chase Anderson (4-2, 4.27 ERA) (MIL) -120 / +1.5 runs (-160) / Under 10 runs (-105)

MLB Free Play: Brewers moneyline first five innings (-110)

The Brewers’ bullpen, typically a source of strength, has pitched to a league-worst 8.65 ERA over the last 14 days. Fortunately they were handed a huge lead on Tuesday night, thanks to home runs by rookie second baseman Keston Hiura, center fielder Lorenzo Cain and right fielder Christian Yelich, who recorded a grand slam for his 33rd round-tripper on the year. Milwaukee’s offense is averaging 5.5 runs per game over their last eight contests, which includes Tuesday’s 13-1 blowout, so don’t expect Dallas Keuchel to be in line for the win on Wednesday afternoon at Miller Park.

Keuchel has pitched to a 2.11 ERA in his first three starts this month, but Cain and left fielder Ryan Braun are a combined 8-for-24 all-time against the Arkansas product with a homer and six walks. Hiura, 12-for-19 with a pair of longballs since the All-Star break, should continue to drive in runs for the Brewers.

Chase Anderson (3.92 career ERA) should hold his own for five frames against an Atlanta offense that’s averaged just 3.75 runs per game over their last eight tilts. The Braves are 15th in road offense in 2019 at 4.92 runs per contest.

Los Angeles Dodgers (63-34) at Philadelphia Phillies (49-46), 7:05 p.m. ET

Kenta Maeda (7-6, 3.82 ERA) (LAD) -155 / -1.5 runs (EVEN) / Over 10.5 runs (-120) Nick Pivetta (4-4, 5.81 ERA) (PHI) +140 / +1.5 runs (-120) / Under 10.5 runs (+100) 

MLB Free Play: Over

Citizens Bank Park has been unable to contain the offenses of the Dodgers and Phillies, yielding 35 runs in the first two games of this series. Over bettors should cash once again on Wednesday night as Kenta Maeda takes the hill for L.A. against Philadelphia’s Nick Pivetta.

Maeda’s road splits in 2019 have been disconcerting; he’s 2-4 with a 5.44 ERA in 10 starts. His opponent batting average outside Dodger Stadium is .241, which contrasts sharply with his .165 batting average against at home. Catcher J.T. Realmuto, second baseman Cesar Hernandez and shortstop Jean Segura are 14-for-44 (.318) combined off the Japan native with three home runs.

Pivetta has pitched to a ghastly 6.99 ERA in his last five starts, and his WHIP in that span is an equally terrible 1.624. The Dodgers’ are sixth in road offense this season at 5.42 runs per game. Center fielder Alex Verdugo, batting .385 with two home runs in his last seven games, should continue to build on his fine first full season in the big leagues.