MLB Picks: San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

The San Francisco Giants (35-31) and Atlanta Braves (39-28) will continue a three-game National League Series at Turner Field Saturday afternoon, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

The San Francisco Giants are 6-1 this season after shutting out their opponent

San Francisco has won back-to-back games, including a 6-0 victory over Atlanta as +126 road underdogs Friday night, while going UNDER the total for the first time in four contests. “I think we have to start locking it in, we’re coming up on the second half of the season,” commented Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Offensively, catcher Buster Posey has been leading the charge, who has hit safely in his last 12 games against the Braves. San Francisco is 6-1 this season after shutting out its opponent, with the OVER going 4-3 in that situation.

Giants starting pitcher Chad Gaudin (2-1, 2.32 ERA) has won two consecutive starts on the road, including a 6-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks last time out, as he allowed two runs and five hits over six frames. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in nine road games (two starts), with opposing hitters batting .210 against him. In 13 career appearances (one start) versus the Braves, Gaudin has compiled a 0-1 record and 7.78 ERA.

Atlanta is mired in a four-game losing streak, with the offense scoring just 11 combined runs in that span. The Braves are still a Major League-best 21-8 at home during the 2013 campaign, while the Giants are a disappointing 14-20 when playing away from AT&T Park. The most important statistic for this club is the home run, as it has compiled a 36-9 record when leaving the ballpark, while going 3-19 when failing to hit a round tripper. Atlanta is 9-4 at home when the total is 7 or less, with the OVER going 7-6 in those 13 opportunities.

Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor (8-2, 2.44 ERA) has led the team to seven consecutive victories, including a 8-1 road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out, as he allowed one run and six hits over six innings of work. The left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA in six home efforts, with opposing hitters batting .184 against him. In three career starts versus the Giants, Minor has tallied a perfect 2-0 record and 1.93 ERA.