Spencer Strider, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Atlanta Braves (18-9) as they match up against the New York Mets (15-12) at Citi Field on Saturday. The Braves took Friday’s series opener 4-0, their fifth straight head-to-head victory.
Starter Max Fried threw a complete game shutout. He scattered only three hits, striking out seven and walking one en route to the win. Matt Olson was 1 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Kevin Pillar added a double and one run. Pete Alonso went 1 for 2 for the Mets.
ON THE MOUND
Strider (3-0, 1.80 ERA) is in line to get the start for Atlanta. The RHP ranks second in the NL in ERA and strikeouts (49), and is tied for fourth in wins.
Strider threw eight scoreless innings in his last start, an 11-0 road win over the Marlins on Monday. He earned the win, yielding two hits while striking out 13.
Strider is making his first appearance against the Mets this season. Over three starts against the Mets in 2022, Strider was 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA over 12.1 innings.
He had 17 strikeouts and six walks. Righty Tylor Megill (3-1, 3.96 ERA) will toe the rubber for New York. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves.
Megill made two appearances against the Braves in 2022, including one start, striking out nine and walking two over six innings (0-1, 7.50). In his last start on Sunday, Megill took a no-decision on the road against the Giants.
He threw four innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out two and walking one in the 5-4 loss. The RHP is tied for fourth in the NL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 6.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.1, while slashing better across the board (.265/.341/.535). Against righties like Megill this season, the Braves have a .752 OPS. Olson is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.082 OPS in 64 at-bats.
New York is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.234/.280/.331).
The Mets have a .727 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .902 OPS over 58 at-bats, Brandon Nimmo has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Atlanta is 11-2 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.4 runs per game while allowing 2.0 runs. New York has gone 5-5 at home this season, averaging 3.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In the last 10 meetings at Citi Field, New York is 6-4 despite an average scoreline favoring Atlanta (4.4-4.3).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves lead the NL East by three games over the Mets.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
