Brendan O’Sullivan dives into his pick and prediction for the Athletics vs. Atlanta Braves game on Wednesday, April 1.

The Athletics and Braves play the third and final game of their series on Wednesday, April 1 at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Atlanta is a -219 moneyline favorite, while the Athletics are +179 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 8.5 runs.

Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Athletics vs. Braves game.

Athletics vs. Braves prediction, preview

Five games into the season, we’re back to the aces. Atlanta wraps up its series against the Athletics with Chris Sale on the mound. Few pitchers have been as electric as Sale, especially for this long. After struggling with injuries in his last few years in Boston, Sale returned to Cy Young form with the Braves. He’s 37 years old and still one of the top pitchers in the league.

The Athletics have quite the challenge awaiting them after a rough start to the 2026 season. They started with six consecutive road games against playoff contenders. Facing Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease and Sale in three of the six make it more difficult.

The Athletics have an exciting top of the order: Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom. That said Langeliers is the only one to consistently perform thus far. The offense is unlikely to liven up against Sale, but it’ll catch fire at some point this season.

Luis Severino gets the start for the Athletics. He allowed two earned runs, three hits and three walks in five innings vs. Toronto in the season opener. He also struck out three batters. It wasn’t a jaw-dropping performance, but it was fine against an American League contender. Between this and his two solid starts in the World Baseball Classic, there’s some confidence that Severino can bounce back from last year’s 4.54 ERA.

Athletics vs. Braves Pick, Best Bet

Braves moneyline has value at -219, but it’s not short enough for a solo bet. With Sale and Severino on the mound, a parlay with the under is the play.

Sale shutout the Royals in the season opener, and should keep the Athletics quiet in this one. Even if the Braves get active vs. Severino, it shouldn’t be enough to break the over.

Best Bet: Atlanta Braves ML + under 8.5 runs (+180)