Atlanta Braves vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction – 8/2/2025
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to make history on Saturday. They will face off in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. This unique event marks the first regular-season Major League Baseball game played in Tennessee. There is an anticipated crowd of over 100,000 fans expected at this unique event. Continue reading this preview for my Braves vs Reds prediction ahead of the MLB Speedway Classic.
Our Braves vs Reds Pick
- Pick: Over 8.5 Runs
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
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Game Snapshot
| Matchup | Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds |
| Date & Time | August 2, 2025, 7:15 PM EDT |
| Starting Pitchers | Spencer Strider vs. Chase Burns |
| Stadium | Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN |
| Broadcast | FOX |
Key Storylines to Watch
Historic Venue: The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field will make this game more interesting than usual. The field dimensions are pretty average in terms of outfield distances. But it will be fascinating to see how the players are impacted by the unique venue size.
Team Momentum: The Braves have lost three of their last four games coming into this contest. They have struggled to find consistent play both at the plate and on the mound over that span. Cincinnati has won two of its last three games against the LA Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.
- Pitching Matchup: Spencer Strider will get the start for the Braves in this game. Strider is 5-8 for the season and has a 3.71 ERA. Cincinnati will give Chase Burns the start. Burns has struggled with an 0-3 record and a 6.26 ERA.
Best Player Props
| Player | Prop | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Olson | Home Runs | Over 0.5 |
| Elly De La Cruz | Total Bases | Over 1.5 |
| Spencer Strider | Strikeouts | Over 5.5 |
Betting Trends & Head-to-Head
- The Braves lead the season series with the Reds 4-2 in 2025.
- The over/under is 1-1 in the current three-game series between the Reds and Braves.
- This is the first neutral site game for either of these teams this season.
Braves vs Reds Model Projection
Projected Score: Braves 6 – Reds 4
Win Probability: Braves 60% | Reds 40%
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick a side in this game, I’d back the Braves to win it. Atlanta should have the bulk of the crowd support in this gigantic venue given their stranglehold on southern baseball fandom. And Strider should give the Braves a better chance to win this game than Burns will give Cincinnati. But instead of taking a side, I think the total is the better play here. The over should be the way to go in what should be a fun game for more than just the novelty of where it is being held.
