Free MLB Picks Today: Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves 9/24/22

The Philadelphia Phillies (-145) host the Atlanta Braves (+125) at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. The early total was set at 8.The Phillies (83-67) lead the series 2-0 after winning 9-1 on Friday, their eighth head-to-head victory in 17 games this season. Starter Aaron Nola threw six scoreless innings- striking out eight – for the win. Rhys Hoskins went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He had four RBIs. Alec Bohm also went 3 for 4 with a triple, two runs, and one RBI. Robbie Grossman was 1 for 1 with one RBI for the Braves (93-58).

ON THE MOUND

Kyle Wright (19-5, 3.18 ERA) is in line for the start for Atlanta. The RHP is tied for the league lead in wins. Wright allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-2 road win over the Nationals on Monday. He got the win, yielding eight hits while striking out seven and walking one. Over two previous starts against the Phillies this season, Wright has allowed only four earned runs over 13.2 innings (1-1, 2.63). He has struck out nine and walked five. Left-hander Bailey Falter (5-3, 3.68 ERA) will toe the rubber for Philadelphia. His only prior start against the Braves this season was his last time out, when Falter gave up one run over 4.2 innings in a 5-2 road defeat on Sunday. He gave up four hits and walked two, while striking out three in the no-decision.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged only 2.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.8, while slashing worse across the board (.245/.298/.352). Against left-handed pitchers like Falter this season, the Braves have a .778 OPS, fourth highest in MLB. Austin Riley is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.157 OPS in 137 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Phils have a .732 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .846 OPS over 352 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is on a three-game losing streak away from Truist Park, bringing their record to 41-32 in 2022. The Braves have scored 4.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.0 runs. Philadelphia has won three in a row at their home ballpark. The Phils are 47-32 at home this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. Philadelphia is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Citizens Bank Park with an average scoreline of 4.9-4.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Braves are second in the NL East, two games behind the division-leading Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first with a magic number of two. The Phillies are third in the NL East, 12 games behind the Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.