The Atlanta Braves (37-24) host the New York Mets (30-32) at Truist Park on Thursday with the home team in position for a sweep of the three-game series.
The Braves lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-5 on Wednesday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Reliever Nick Anderson threw one scoreless inning to get the win, and A.J. Minter earned his eighth save with a scoreless ninth.
Michael Harris II went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and drove in three. Tommy Pham was 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs for the Mets.
ON THE MOUND
Justin Verlander (2-3, 4.25 ERA) is set to take the mound for New York. The RHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 3-0 road defeat against the Blue Jays on Friday.
He was charged with the loss, yielding five hits while striking out eight and walking three. For Atlanta, right-hander Spencer Strider (6-2, 2.97 ERA) will toe the rubber.
He has made one prior start against the Mets this season, giving up four runs over five innings in a 9-8 road win on May 1. He gave up five hits and walked three while striking out eight in the win.
In his last start on Saturday, Strider got the win on the road against the Diamondbacks. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out seven and walking four in the 5-2 victory. The RHP is tied for the MLB lead in strikeouts (113). He also ranks fifth in the NL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged only 2.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while performing worse across the board (.171/.234/.348). Against right-handed pitchers like Strider this season, the Mets have a .708 OPS.
Pete Alonso is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .865 OPS in 161 at-bats. Atlanta is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.1 for the season.
The Braves have a .753 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .970 OPS over 161 at-bats, Matt Olson has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is on a four-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 15-20 in 2023. The Mets have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.8 runs.
Atlanta has won three in a row at home. The Braves are 17-14 at home this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.8. In the last 10 meetings at Truist Park, Atlanta is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.8-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves lead the NL East by three games over the Marlins. The Mets are third in the NL East, seven games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-185)
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