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Waldrep Aims to Dominate Again as Braves Close Entertaining Series
The Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox will square off in the final game of a wild three-game set on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM ET, with clear skies and warm weather expected.
The Braves rallied from a six-run deficit to win 11-10 on Tuesday, evening the series after Chicago exploded for 13 runs in Monday’s opener. Rookie Hurston Waldrep (3-0, 1.02 ERA) gets the nod for Atlanta, while Martín Pérez (1-2, 3.09 ERA) will make his first start since returning from a lengthy IL stint.
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Opening Odds:
- Braves Moneyline: -185
- White Sox Moneyline: +155
- Run Line: Braves -1.5 (+111), White Sox +1.5 (-132)
- Total: 9.0 (O/U: -115/-105)
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The White Sox Can Win If…
Chicago’s bats stay hot. The White Sox have scored 21 runs through the first two games of this series, highlighted by Kyle Teel’s two homers and Luis Robert Jr. driving in runs in key spots. Despite their struggles this season, their power at the plate has been on display.
Pitching Outlook:
Martín Pérez has looked sharp since returning from a flexor strain, giving up one run in a 40-pitch relief outing. He’ll need to keep Atlanta in check early, especially with bullpen depth being tested.
“I was so nervous in that first inning… It was good to be back after almost four months, to be back on the mound and compete again.”
— Martín Pérez on his return
X-Factor: Colson Montgomery’s status is key — the rookie shortstop missed Tuesday’s game with left-side soreness and is day-to-day. His presence adds both defensive stability and a spark in the lineup.
The Braves Can Win If…
Hurston Waldrep continues his incredible rookie run. The right-hander hasn’t allowed more than one run in any of his first three MLB outings, racking up 17 strikeouts with a WHIP under 0.80. He blanked the Guardians across six innings in his last start.
“He’s not having to pitch at 98 to be effective… There’s a lot of really good stuff to like.”
— Braves manager Brian Snitker on Waldrep
Offensive Firepower:
- Michael Harris II is batting .471 during a 12-game hitting streak (17 RBIs).
- Jurickson Profar has homered four times in three games.
- Matt Olson went 4-for-5 Tuesday with three runs scored.
If Waldrep controls the pace and Atlanta’s bats continue their barrage, they’ll be hard to beat.
Key MLB Betting Trends
| Category | Atlanta Braves | Chicago White Sox |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 57-69 | 45-81 |
| Last 10 Games | 7-3 | 1-5 |
| Runs Per Game | 4.7 (9th) | 3.8 (28th) |
| Team ERA | 3.94 (11th) | 4.73 (28th) |
| Home Runs | 143 (14th) | 125 (21st) |
The Lean
This series has featured fireworks, but the edge is clearly with Atlanta. Hurston Waldrep has been untouchable, while Chicago continues to struggle with consistency from its pitching staff and bullpen. Even with hot bats, it’s tough to trust Pérez on a pitch limit against a loaded Braves lineup.
Model Projection: Braves 5, White Sox 3
Pick: Braves Moneyline (-185)
Runline Lean: Braves -1.5 (+111)
Total Lean: Under 9.0 (-105)
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