MLB Predictions: San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

The San Francisco Giants (34-31) and Atlanta Braves (39-27) will open up a three-game National League Series at Turner Field Friday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves OF Jason Heyward is starting to swing the bat

San Francisco snapped a two-game losing streak by picking up a 10-0 blowout victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday, while going OVER the total for a third consecutive contest. The Giants managed to amass 18 runs in two nights without the services of Angel Pagan, Marco Scutaro and Pablo Sandoval. “It’s a great sign,” commented Giants manager Bruce Bochy. “Somebody was stepping up and getting a few big hits.” San Francisco is 4-7 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the OVER going 7-4 in that situation.

Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (5-4, 3.58 ERA) ended a personal three-game losing streak by picking up a 10-5 road victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he allowed three runs and five hits over five frames. The left-hander is 3-3 with a 4.30 ERA in seven road appearances, with opposing hitters batting .211 against him. In five career games versus the Braves, Bumgarner has tallied a losing 1-3 record and 3.60 ERA, but did come away with a 10-1 home win on May 11.

Atlanta went 2-5 on its recently completed seven-game road trip, which included dropping three consecutive games to the San Diego Padres, including a 5-3 defeat as -127 favorites Wednesday. “Not to take anything away from the Padres, but this was a weird series,” commented Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. “We outhit them all three games.” The Braves are 9-11 against NL West opponents, but they hope to do better with outfielder Jason Heyward starting to break out of a season-long slump. Over his last 10 games, he is hitting .395 with three home runs and four RBIs. Atlanta is 30-12 when playing after an off day the last two-plus seasons.

Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (3-6, 2.87 ERA) has won back-to-back efforts, including a 2-1 road victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out, as he allowed five hits over 6.2 scoreless frames. The right-hander is 1-3 with a 2.31 ERA in six home outings, surrendering just a single home run over 35 innings. In seven career games (two starts) versus the Giants, Medlen has compiled an 0-3 record and 4.67 ERA, including a 5-1 road loss on May 12.