The Philadelphia Phillies will face off against the Atlanta Braves in a three-game series that kicks off Friday at Truist Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Both teams enter the matchup with notable recent performances, as the Phillies currently hold a record of 47-34 while the Braves stand at 37-43.
This series is important as it marks a mid-season showdown between two clubs currently tied at three wins apiece in their season series. The Phillies come into this series struggling after losing three straight games, including a disappointing sweep from the Houston Astros. Their most recent game featured a commendable inning from starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, who limited the Astros to one run while striking out 11 batters. However, despite a sacrifice fly by Brandon Marsh late in the game that tied the score, the Phillies fell short, losing 2-1 due to a late RBI single.
On the other hand, the Braves are beginning a long nine-game homestand after finishing a 7-game road trip with a 3-4 record. They had a rough ending to their last series against the New York Mets, losing the final two games, including a shutout loss in the last game, where they were only able to record three hits.
In terms of pitching for the matchup, the Phillies will have rookie Mick Abel on the mound, who has a satisfactory ERA of 3.47, while the Braves will start Bryce Elder, whose ERA stands at 4.77. Abel is coming off a loss but shows promise with a solid road performance earlier this season. Meanwhile, Elder’s recent struggles may open a window for the Phillies to capitalize.
Betting odds from BetMGM Sportsbook list the Phillies at +135 and the Braves at -160. Given the Phillies’ potential to rebound from their recent slump and their strong performances earlier in the season, a bet on the Phillies could yield better value. Moreover, recent game trends suggest a lower scoring potential, with betting under 9 runs being another favorable option, as both teams have seen their last few games not exceed this total.
With both teams trying to find momentum, this series could be pivotal in shaping their respective paths as the season continues. The match promises intriguing performances from both starting pitchers as they seek to improve their records and help their teams secure valuable wins.