The Los Angeles Dodgers (66-55) and Atlanta Braves (70-50) will close out an important  three-game National League series on Sunday afternoon at Turner Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:35 ET

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves  

Los Angeles hit back-to-back-to-back home runs en route to a 6-2 victory over Atlanta on Saturday night, as the club played the first of two games without suspended manager Don Mattingly.  The Dodgers have gotten some great production out of third baseman Hanley Ramirez, who is hitting .330 with four home runs and 27 RBIs in 23 games with his new team since being acquired from the Miami Marlins.  Los Angeles is 15-9 against NL East opponents this year, while the “over” is 12-11 in that situation.

Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley (9-9, 3.62 ERA) has been one of the hottest pitchers in baseball over his last five outings, winning each of those contests, including a 11-0 road win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The right-hander is 6-5 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 road outings, surrendering six home runs in 76 frames.  In nine career games (seven starts) versus the Braves, Billingsley has tallied a 1-3 record and 3.67 ERA, including a 1-1 mark and 2.96 ERA in six games at Turner Field.

Atlanta must be frustrated that its gained just one game in the NL East standings while going 29-12 since July 3, but that’s the case with the Washington Nationals playing tremendous baseball.  The Braves desperately need to get catcher Brian McCann going offensively, as he’s been out of the lineup for two straight games.  “The shoulder isn’t 100 percent,” commented Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez on McCann’s situation.  He is batting .111 with just one extra-base hit in August.  Atlanta is 13-11 at home with a money line of -100 to -125, with the “over” going 14-10 in that situation.

Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor (6-9, 4.93 ERA) has suffered back-to-back losses to the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres, as the offense has scored just one run in that span.  The left-hander is 4-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 home starts, issuing 21 walks and striking out 51 batters in 65.2 innings of work.  Minor hasn’t recorded a decision in two career efforts against the Dodgers, allowing four runs and 14 hits over 12 frames.

Sports bettors will likely back the Dodgers due to their 7-0 mark on the road against southpaw starters, while the Braves are 1-4 in Minor’s last five home starts versus winning teams.

Make sure to check out our Major League Baseball picks all season long and get the most up-to-date betting odds at Bookmaker