The New York Mets will attempt to break a four-game losing streak as they face Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night.
Not only are these two hard-hitting lineups, but the Atlanta lineup has the chance to tee off on Paul Blackburn, which is why I’m taking the Over in my Mets vs. Braves predictions.
Keep reading below for a full breakdown of tonight’s matchup in my free MLB picks for Wednesday, June 18.
Mets vs Braves prediction
My Mets vs Braves best bet: Over 8.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
After blowing a three-run lead late in last night’s game, the New York Mets are now mired in their longest losing streak of the season. It won’t be easy for New York to get back to their winning ways tonight, as they’ll have to overcome a rough pitching matchup on the road against a quality team.
The Mets are sending Paul Blackburn to the mound tonight. Blackburn threw five shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 2 in his only start this year, but still has a 6.75 ERA on the season after a couple of disappointing bullpen outings. Blackburn has a career 4.89 ERA and 1.412 WHIP. He strikes out only 6.9 batters per nine innings, has mediocre control, and has allowed 1.2 homers per nine innings.
On paper, the Atlanta Braves present a workable matchup for Blackburn. Atlanta is only averaging 4.15 runs per game this season, lower than the 4.31 overall average for MLB. But the Braves have hit much better against righthanded pitching, putting up a .720 OPS compared to .649 against lefties. When facing righthanded starters, Atlanta scores an average of 4.36 runs per game, making this at least an average lineup.
It’s easy to argue that’s a case of the Braves underperforming as well. Ronald Acuna Jr. has been electric since rejoining the lineup, but Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Michael Harris and others are all notably underperforming their career benchmarks. It’s unlikely that all these talented players will end the year without heating up, and Blackburn is exactly the kind of pitcher that many of these bats could feast on.
Chris Sale gets the start for the Braves tonight. Sale is coming off a Cy Young Award winning season in 2024 and is pitching nearly as well so far this season, putting up a 2.79 ERA and striking out nearly 12 batters per nine innings.
That might play against betting the Over tonight, but it’s hard to keep the Mets entirely in check even if you’re an elite starter. New York is averaging 4.55 runs per game, and that number has meant that the Mets have even been able to score when they’ve been struggling. In fact, New York has played incredibly close to that average as of late, scoring either four or five runs in six of their last seven games.
Both teams have largely been playing to the Over as of late. The Mets have hit the Over four times in a row now during their losing streak, while the Braves have done so in four of their last five outings. New York has played to totals of nine or more runs in seven of their last nine games.
With two teams that have (or should have) deep and explosive lineups, and with one vulnerable starter, tonight’s total of 8.5 runs is too low for my comfort. I’m taking the Over.
Mets vs Braves same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 8.5
Braves moneyline
Matt Olson to record an RBI
Along with the Over, I’m predicting a Braves win for my same-game parlay. Not only have the Mets been struggling overall, but Blackburn isn’t the kind of pitcher that New York will want to turn to in order to break a losing streak against a tough opponent. With Sale on the mound, Atlanta has a huge advantage in this game.
To round out the SGP, I’m taking Matt Olson to pick up at least one RBI tonight. Olson has five RBIs in his last four games, has a great matchup against Blackburn, and is in the middle of an Atlanta lineup that should score runs tonight, making him a great pick to knock in a run.
Mets vs Braves odds
Mets vs Braves live odds
Mets vs Braves opening odds
- Moneyline: New York +155 | Atlanta -190
- Run line: New York +1.5 (-130) | Atlanta -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under: Over 8.0 (+100) | Under 8.0 (+100)
Mets vs Braves trend
The Over is 4-0 in New York’s last four games overall. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Braves.
How to watch Mets vs Braves and game info
| Location | Truist Park, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Wednesday, 6-18-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | SNY, FDSNSO |
| Mets starting pitcher | Paul Blackburn (0-0, 6.75 ERA) |
| Braves starting pitcher | Chris Sale (4-4, 2.79 ERA) |
Mets vs Braves latest injuries
Mets vs Braves weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
