The strikeout-prone Atlanta Braves (93-57) are in for a challenge at Citizens Bank Park on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies (82-67) and Aaron Nola, owner of this season’s best K/9 rate. The Phillies took Thursday’s series opener 1-0, their seventh head-to-head victory in 16 games this season. Starter Ranger Suarez threw six scoreless innings for the win, and Jose Alvarado pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his second save. Matt Vierling went 1 for 2 with a double and one RBI in the win. Austin Riley was 3 for 3 with a double for the Braves.
ON THE MOUND
Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 4.04 ERA) is slated to get the start for Atlanta. The right-hander takes on the Phillies in back-to-back starts. He allowed one run over 4.2 innings on Saturday, a 4-3 road win. He gave up two hits while striking out five and walking one in the no-decision. RHP Nola (9-12, 3.38 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. He has made four appearances against the Braves this season, all as the starter, giving up 14 runs over 28.1 innings (2-2, 4.45) with 33 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start on Saturday, Nola took the loss on the road against the Braves. He threw seven innings and gave up four runs on seven hits, striking out eight and walking two in the 4-3 defeat. The right-hander ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (210).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged only 3.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.9, partially thanks to weaker slugging (.420 vs .443). Against righties like Nola this season, the Braves have a .753 OPS, fourth highest in the league. Riley is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with ann .815 OPS in 438 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Phils have a .729 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .851 OPS over 349 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Atlanta is 41-31 in road games in 2022, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Philadelphia has gone 46-32 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 games at Citizens Bank Park between the NL East rivals, Philadelphia is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.5-4.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves are second in the NL East, one games behind the division-leading Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first with a magic number of three. The Phillies are third in the NL East, 12 games behind the Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting third with a magic number of zero.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (+135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
