Baseball Best Bets: Friday's MLB Games – Fried Vs. Gallen

David

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Post on Jun 21, 2025

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Baseball Best Bets: Friday's MLB Games – Fried vs. Gallen: A Pitching Duel for the Ages?

Friday night baseball offers a tantalizing matchup: Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves against Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This pitching duel promises fireworks, but which side offers the best betting value? Let's dive into the matchups and explore some potential best bets for Friday's MLB action.

Fried vs. Gallen: A Contrast in Styles

This isn't just any pitching matchup; it's a clash of styles and strengths. Max Fried, a left-handed ace known for his pinpoint control and devastating curveball, faces off against Zac Gallen, a right-hander who boasts elite ground ball rates and deceptive movement. Fried's ability to paint the corners and induce weak contact makes him a tough out, while Gallen's ability to keep the ball on the ground minimizes big innings.

Both pitchers are enjoying excellent seasons. Gallen's ERA is remarkably low, putting him in contention for the NL Cy Young Award. Fried, despite a slightly higher ERA, consistently delivers quality starts and keeps his team in the game. The key to unlocking a successful bet will likely lie in identifying potential vulnerabilities in their respective games.

Analyzing the Matchups:

• Atlanta Braves Offense: The Braves boast a potent lineup, but their performance against right-handed pitching has been inconsistent this season. Gallen's ability to limit hard contact could prove crucial. Looking at their recent performance against similar pitchers will be key to assessing their potential success against Gallen. Consider checking recent game logs and analyzing their batting averages against ground ball pitchers.

• Arizona Diamondbacks Offense: The Diamondbacks' offense, while capable, has been less explosive than in previous seasons. Facing Fried's precision could prove challenging. Their ability to make solid contact and avoid strikeouts will be crucial in determining their success.

• Bullpens: Both teams possess relatively strong bullpens, but bullpen performance can be unpredictable. Evaluating the bullpen's recent performances will be important in assessing the likelihood of a late-game collapse. This is particularly crucial for games that go into extra innings.

Best Bets & Considerations:

While predicting the outcome of any baseball game is inherently risky, we can identify some potential betting angles:

• Under on Total Runs: Given the quality of both starting pitchers, betting the under on the total runs scored seems like a strong possibility. Both Fried and Gallen are known for their ability to keep runs off the board.

• Gallen to Record a Quality Start (QS): Given Gallen's consistency, betting on him to record a Quality Start (at least six innings pitched, three or fewer earned runs) is a relatively safe bet.

• First Five Innings Under: Consider betting the under on runs scored in the first five innings. This minimizes the impact of late-game bullpen performance.

Disclaimer: Remember, sports betting involves risk, and it's crucial to gamble responsibly. These are just potential bets based on analysis; they are not guarantees of success. Always bet within your means and do your own research before placing any wagers.

Resources for Further Research:

For up-to-date MLB statistics and analysis, you can check resources such as:

• [Link to a reputable sports statistics website, e.g., Baseball Reference]
• [Link to a reputable sports betting website, focusing on responsible gambling]

This Friday night's Fried vs. Gallen matchup promises to be a compelling encounter. By carefully considering the factors outlined above and utilizing reputable resources for further research, you can make informed betting decisions and enjoy the game!