Atlanta 25-27 will meet Philadelphia 34-19 in this important series.
Braves Look to Get On Track in Philadelphia
The Braves are back on the road in Philadelphia, and set to take on the 34-19 Phillies. Atlanta comes in at 25-27 after a disappointing weekend at home, dropping two of three to the Padres. The Braves are still searching for consistency as the season moves forward.
Inconsistent Offense Has Been the Braves’ Achilles Heel
Up-and-down offensive production has been the team’s Achilles heel, with long stretches of droughts that have kept them from gaining momentum. Despite the struggles, the pitching has often been the reason Atlanta has stayed in games.
Inside the Braves clubhouse, there’s still a sense of encouragement. Everyone believes the best baseball is ahead, and the team is focused on turning the page as they continue the season. This series in Philadelphia would be the perfect time to show they are serious on turning this season around. You have to start somewhere, and sooner rather than later.
Strider Set to Open the Series on the Mound
Spencer Strider will make his third start of the season, and his second since returning from a hamstring issue. Strider hopes to be sharper than he was last week in Washington. Many believe he could have benefitted from a start or two at Gwinnett before jumping back into the rotation. The way last week unfolded, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Strider struggled in that outing, allowing four runs on six hits with just three strikeouts over 4.1 innings against the Nationals on May 20.
One batter Strider will need to be especially careful with is Brandon Marsh. Marsh has been successful against Strider in his career, batting .385 with a 1.352 OPS and two home runs in 13 at-bats.
Braves Pitching is huge in Philadelphia
I like the Braves’ chances as far as pitching goes. If Strider can put together a strong outing tonight, the Braves will have AJ Smith-Shawver and Chris Sale lined up to finish out the series. Smith-Shawver had his human-like moment last week against the Nationals as well, but I’ll give him that. Since returning from Gwinnett, he has been almost dominant. I look for him to bounce back and hopefully have a strong outing tomorrow.
Chris Sale has been looking like vintage Sale lately. He has improved his ERA by more than three points since the last time he faced Philadelphia on April 8. In that game, Sale was roughed up for five earned runs on nine hits across 4.2 innings. The Braves still managed to win that game, thanks to a strong bullpen outing that shut the Phillies down and a rally from Atlanta’s offense, scoring four unanswered runs to secure a 7-5 victory. Sale’s slider and four-seam fastball have been giving hitters fits as of late, and he’ll have an ax to grind this time around. He’s a much different pitcher now than the one Philadelphia saw back in April.
Braves Offense Needs to Support the Pitching
Offensively, the Braves will be looking to do whatever is needed to support the pitching staff in this important series. Going through quiet spells is not an option. Ozzie Albies has been on the rise over the last week and a half, as he carries an 11-game hitting streak into the series. With Ronald Acuña Jr. back in the lineup, he has already shown that he’s ready to make an impact. Acuña homered twice in three games against San Diego, including that “Welcome Back” first-pitch home run on Friday.
Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin have been key contributors as well. Baldwin has looked great since stepping onto the field for the Braves this season. While he’ll have his human moments, like Sunday against the Padres, where he went 0-for-4. Baldwin has provided a steady presence behind the plate and a spark in the lineup.
Matt Olson, meanwhile, seems to have found himself, starting with that series in Boston. As the Braves continue this merry-go-round of a season, Olson will be critical to the team’s success. He’s only two years removed from a 53-home-run season, and the way he’s been swinging it over the past 10 days, he looks to be channeling that form again.
How to Watch the Series in Philadelphia
You can catch the series on the FanDuel Sports Network at 6:45 PM EDT each night. As always, you can listen to the Braves Radio Network on 680 The Fan.
Final Thoughts: Time for the Braves to Take a Stand in Philadelphia
This series against Philadelphia is more than just another set of games on the schedule. It’s a critical chance for the Braves to get back on track, show they can hang with the top teams in the National League, and prove their offense can support the arms that have been carrying the load. With Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Chris Sale taking the ball, the Braves have the arms to compete in this series. Now, it’s on the lineup to step up, led by Acuña, Albies, Olson, and others, and match the energy of the Phillies.
The time to get going is now. If the Braves want to stay in the mix in the NL East, this series in Philadelphia is the place to start.
