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Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona: 5 things you need to know about this series

By John Le

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 16: Left fielder Charlie Culberson #16 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by centerfielder Ender Inciarte #11 after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game against the San Diego Padres at SunTrust Park on June 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 16: Left fielder Charlie Culberson #16 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by centerfielder Ender Inciarte #11 after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game against the San Diego Padres at SunTrust Park on June 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals misplays the bounce off the wall of a RBI double hit by Alberto Callaspo #1 of the Atlanta Braves in the first inning to score Freddie Freeman #5 at Turner Field on April 28, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals misplays the bounce off the wall of a RBI double hit by Alberto Callaspo #1 of the Atlanta Braves in the first inning to score Freddie Freeman #5 at Turner Field on April 28, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Chasing The Title

Before joining his teammates at the MLB All-Star game, Freddie Freeman will take part in some other festivities next week. In case you missed it, Freeman has been announced as a competitior for the MLB Home Run Derby this year. It will be a tough task though as he takes on hometown favorite Bryce Harper in the very first round.

The derby bracket is set as:

Freeman and Harper are friends but that hasn’t stopped Freeman in trying to get an early edge on his opponent:

Freeman did mentioned the “Home Run Derby” curse and all of things surrounding that but also stated how he’s been wanting to do it, like any other participant.

I’m personally a fan of the event. I understand why some do not like it and how it’s “basically a glorified batting practice”…but there’s a reason why fans show up early for BP.

It will be an immediate tough task going against Harper in the first round of his first derby, especially with his style of swinging, but we’ll see.

De-Fanging The Snakes

More from Tomahawk Take

The Diamondbacks are currently second in their division (51-43) and are a half game behind the NL West leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers. They come into the series after losing two straight games with a 4-6 W-L record in their last ten games.

The Braves have not faced the Diamondbacks yet this season but usually stand tall over the snakes with the exception of 2016. Last season (2017), Atlanta had a 4-2 record over Arizona with a 3-0 record at home.

As noted earlier, the Braves are looking to get some hot momentum before starting the second half. With the Diamondbacks currently on a low, it could make it easier for the Braves.

Here’s the expected pitching matchups:

  • FRI:  Zack…wait for it… Godly (4.80) and Anibal Sanchez (2.72)
  • SAT:  Zack Greinke (3.39; nope – we didn’t miss him) and Sean Newcomb (3.44)
  • SUN:  Patrick Corbin (3.09) and Julio Teheran (4.26)

On paper, the Braves need to get this first one.  Like Arizona, the Braves are also 4-6 in their last 10 contests, having won the finale against Toronto.

Next: Is Swanson Worthy Of Some Gold?

So can the Atlanta Braves take down the Arizona Diamondbacks? Find out tonight as game one of the 3-piece series start at 7:35 pm ET.

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