Angels vs Braves predictions
The Los Angeles Angels come into Truist Park with a few bats to keep an eye on, most notably Zach Neto and Taylor Ward. Even though Neto is working through a day-to-day shoulder jam, he’s been the most consistent hitter for the Angels this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him notch a hit or two in this opener. Taylor Ward, meanwhile, has provided the pop for this lineup—he’s already topped 20 home runs and could threaten the fences again in Atlanta. And then there’s Mike Trout; although he hasn’t quite been on an MVP tear, he’s always capable of drawing a walk, driving in a run, or making noise on the basepaths. Tyler Anderson is getting the start, and while he might not rack up the strikeouts, he’s been steady enough to get through five innings with the game still hanging in the balance.
Switch over to the Atlanta Braves, and you get a lineup that’s no slouch either. Expect Austin Riley to mix in a couple of hits—he’s just below .270 on the year and tends to deliver in these big interleague matchups. Matt Olson should always be considered a power threat; if the Angels leave anything hanging, it could leave the park. Ronald Acuña Jr. brings the spark—he just finds ways to get on base, whether it’s drawing a walk or slapping a couple of hits through the infield. On the mound, Didier Fuentes is on track to put in a solid five innings, and if he locates his pitches, he could keep the Angels in check with a handful of strikeouts and minimal damage.
As for the outcome? With the Braves sitting at 23-17 at home and their main bats heating up, they seem primed to snag the opener of this three-game set. The Angels have some firepower, but Atlanta’s combination of home comfort and an offense starting to find its rhythm might just be the difference. If you’re the betting type, putting your chips behind the Braves feels like the smart play for game one. What’s your take—could the Angels crash the party, or will the Braves keep rolling at Truist Park?
