Braves vs. Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway: What to Watch, Who to Bet On

Tonight, August 2, 2025, the Atlanta Braves face the Cincinnati Reds in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic, hosted at Bristol Motor Speedway. Over 85,000 fans are expected in the stands, breaking the record for regular-season attendance. The NASCAR venue has been transformed into a baseball diamond, and the energy will be off the charts.

Pitching Matchup: Spencer Strider vs. Chase Burns

For Atlanta, Spencer Strider returns from Tommy John surgery and brings a 5–8 record, 3.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts in 77.2 innings. Over his last 9 starts, he’s posted a 2.91 ERA.

The Reds counter with Chase Burns, their electric rookie and 2024’s No. 2 overall draft pick. His traditional numbers (6.26 ERA) don’t tell the full story. He sports a 2.54 xFIP, 14.82 K/9, and a 44% whiff rate on a blazing 98.3 mph fastball and a wipeout 90.3 mph slider. He’s got elite stuff—just needs control.

Lineups and Players to Watch

For the Braves:

• Drake Baldwin DHs in place of Marcell Ozuna.

• Eli White starts in right field.

• Sean Murphy gets the nod behind the plate.

The usual suspects like Matt Olson and Austin Riley remain the primary power threats.

For the Reds:

• TJ Friedl leads off and plays center (.269 AVG, 10 HR).

• Austin Hays hits cleanup as DH.

• Tyler Stephenson catches.

• Miguel Andujar (.298 AVG in 60 games) was activated for added depth.

Betting Angles

• Moneyline: Braves are slight favorites around –170. Reds range from +104 to +114 depending on the book.

• Value Pick: The SportsLine projection model gives Cincinnati the edge in over 50% of simulations. The Reds at +114 could be worth backing.

• Strikeout Props: Strider’s O/U is 6.5 Ks (under +134), and Burns’ is 7.5 Ks (under –150). Projection models suggest Burns finishes with about 5.9 Ks, making the under a solid play.

Total Runs? Most books have the total around 8.5. With two high-strikeout pitchers, the under is in play—but one big inning could swing it the other way.

Bottom Line

It’s not just another game—it’s a spectacle. Baseball in a NASCAR coliseum, record crowds, and power arms on the mound. For bettors, the Reds moneyline and Burns under 7.5 strikeouts look like smart value. First pitch is 7:15 p.m. ET. Buckle up.

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