MLB Game Preview: Baltimore Orioles (37-49) vs. Atlanta Braves (39-47)

Matchup: Baltimore Orioles (37–49) vs. Atlanta Braves (39–47)
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 7:15 PM ET
Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Watch: MLB Network, MASN, Bally Sports South
Odds: Braves -168 | Orioles +142 | Over/Under: 9 runs

Game Overview

The Atlanta Braves host the Baltimore Orioles in a Fourth of July showdown at Truist Park. Both teams are underperforming relative to preseason expectations, but this interleague matchup offers a chance for momentum heading into the second half of the season.

The Orioles have dropped 7 of their last 11 and are struggling to find consistency at the plate. The Braves, meanwhile, have lost 6 of their last 8 but remain dangerous at home, where they’re 24–18.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Charlie Morton (Orioles)

• Record: 4–7
• ERA: 5.63
• WHIP: 1.57
• Last Start: 5 IP, 3 ER vs. Rangers
• Career vs. Braves: 3–2, 3.53 ERA in 7 starts

Morton returns to Atlanta, where he spent four seasons and won 45 games. While his overall numbers are rough, he’s posted a 2.68 ERA over his last 9 outings and brings veteran savvy to a young Orioles rotation.

Spencer Strider (Braves)

• Record: 3–6
• ERA: 3.86
• WHIP: 1.14
• Last Start: 7 IP, 2 ER vs. Phillies
• June Stats: 3.60 ERA, 42 K in 35 IP

Strider is rounding into form after a shaky start to the season. He’s struck out 10+ batters in 3 of his last 5 starts and owns a 2.25 ERA over his last 4 outings.

Key Hitters to Watch

Orioles

• Ryan O’Hearn: .294 AVG, 11 HR, .853 OPS
  • 4-game hitting streak; 2 doubles in last 5 games
• Gunnar Henderson: .276 AVG, 10 HR, 16 2B
• Cedric Mullins: 12 HR, 39 RBI, .213 AVG
• Jackson Holliday: .255 AVG, 10 HR, 12 2B

Braves

• Matt Olson: .267 AVG, 16 HR, 56 RBI
  • 9-game hitting streak; .375 AVG over last 10 games
• Austin Riley: .274 AVG, .427 SLG
• Ozzie Albies: .227 AVG, 6 HR, 11 2B
• Jurickson Profar: 2 HR in 2 games since return from suspension

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Orioles	Braves
Team Batting Avg	.240 (20th in MLB)	.244 (17th in MLB)
OPS	.705	.698
Runs Per Game (L10)	5.5	3.1
Team ERA	4.50	4.45
Bullpen ERA	4.12	3.89
Last 10 Games	4–6	4–6

Strider’s recent dominance and Atlanta’s home-field advantage give them the edge. Morton’s experience could keep it close early, but the Braves’ bullpen and timely hitting should carry them late.

Betting Trends

• Orioles are 1–4 in their last 5 games as underdogs
• Braves are 17–12 when favored by -168 or more
• Under is 7–2–1 in the last 10 Orioles vs. Braves matchups
• Braves are 3–7 ATS in their last 10 games