This is our opening series preview for the 2019 season as the Atlanta Braves take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
The best words in all of the world “Opening Day” will ring across the globe on Thursday as Opening Day has finally arrived and the Atlanta Braves begin their 2019 quest against the Philadelphia Phillies.
I might be a little biased but Opening Day is by far my favorite day of the year. When the Atlanta Braves start the season on the road — and it seems like they always do — I generally take the day off so I can watch as many games as possible.
That will be the case again this year with the Braves first game of 2019 being an afternoon game in Philadelphia.
And then of course on Monday night I’ll be in Atlanta as the Braves take on the Chicago Cubs in their home opener.
The Atlanta Braves also started the 2018 season against the Phillies, and it was one of the best finishes to an Opening Day that I’ve been a part of as Nick Markakis hit a walk-off home run.
In that game, then new Phillies manager Gabe Kapler decided to take his ace, Aaron Nola, out of the game after he dominated the Braves for 5.1 innings, and he was only at 68 pitches.
I don’t think he’ll make that same mistake this time around.
Just as it was last year, this is a very important early season matchup between the division rivals.
The Atlanta Braves dominated their NL East opponents last year, including a 12-7 record against the Phillies.
This might sound pretty obvious, but whoever has the most success within the division in 2019 will most likely take home the NL East crown.
Hopefully the Braves get this season off on the right foot as well.