Another promising matchup in the MLB is in store for your viewing and betting pleasure, when the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves collide for the final meeting of a three-game series. Both clubs have split the first two encounters, and they’ll now be aiming to deliver the final blow. Who will succeed in doing so?
Read on below for a closer look at this NL East Division showdown. Meanwhile, you might as well check our preview for the game between the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Philadelphia’s three-game winning streak came to a bitter end in yesterday’s 5-1 loss to Atlanta. But the Phillies should be in line for a huge bounce-back game with Vince Velasquez getting the starting nod for them in tonight’s series finale.
Velasquez has pitched solidly throughout this season. He heads into Turner Field with a 4-1 win-loss record and an ERA of 2.17. It’s worth noting, though, that the righty had a forgettable performance in his previous start. Velasquez gave up four runs in six innings for a no-decision against Miami last week.
In the case that Velasquez ends up struggling, the pressure is on the pair of Odubel Herrera and Ryan Howard to provide some timely runs at the plate.
Herrera has been holding a hot bat lately, as he’s currently riding a nine-game hitting streak. In that stretch, he’s gone 13-of-37 (.351) with one homer and a pair of RBIs. Howard, meanwhile, went 1-for-3 in last night’s loss, and boasts a team-best of eight home runs thus far this season.
Philadelphia is 11-5 in its past 16 road games.
Betting on the Atlanta Braves (8-24)
Last night was a rare time to celebrate for the Atlanta Braves, who are currently the second-worst team in the majors right now. They successfully notched win No. 8 by beating the visiting Phillies, 5-1. The Braves can win just their second series of the season with a victory tonight.
All eyes are going to be on Aaron Blair (0-2, 3.31 ERA). He’s expected to toe the rubber later, and Atlanta should be feeling confident with him on the mound. The 23-year-old righty has yet to capture a win, but has pitched relatively well in his last three starts. That stretch includes their game against the league-leading Cubs on April 29, during which Blair got the no-decision despite logging in six innings of one-run ball.
On offense, meanwhile, look to none other than Freddie Freeman to lead the charge. He is batting .348 with five homers in his previous 23 outings. Freeman also holds a career triple-slash line of .293/.374/.440 against the Phillies.
Atlanta is 0-4 in its last four games following a win.
