The Atlanta Braves open the 2021 schedule against NL East rival Philadelphia as they look to make an early statement in the division.
It seems like the Atlanta Braves have opened the year against the Phillies for a decade straight now. I’m getting tired of seeing Aaron Nola every Opening Day.
In 2018 it was the famous Nick Markakis 3-run walk-off homer after Gabe Kapler pulled Nola at just 68 pitches in the sixth inning.
The following season, the Phillies came out and swept the Braves in Philadelphia, proclaiming themselves as the frontrunners in the division.
And it did send Braves country in a frenzy.
But as we know, Atlanta settled down and went on to win the division for the second straight year.
And on that note, it should be a good reminder that Opening Day series don’t tell us much in the end.
A team on Opening Day is likely to look very different in September.
So whether the Braves come out and sweep the Phillie this weekend or get swept, don’t let your emotions be swayed too much one way or the other.
But who am I kidding, we’re fans, being unreasonably emotional is part of the process.
Let’s take a look at how the Braves can set the tone and make an early statement on Opening Weekend with a series win against a division rival.
Braves vs. Phillies: Thursday’s Pitching Matchup (Fried vs. Nola)
As I mentioned, this will be the third time in four years that the Braves will open the season against the Phillies ace.
In his career against the Braves, he’s 11-6 with a 3.05 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 124 innings pitched. He’s also much better at home with a 2.99 ERA in 71 starts at Citizens Bank Park.
Of the Braves’ top five hitters, Freddie Freeman is the only one hitting below .280 against Nola.
Dansby Swanson has had the worst go of it against the righty with just 4 hits in 24 at-bats.
Ozuna, Acuna, Albies, and Riley have all hit multiple home runs off Nola.
The starting lineup for the Braves is a combined 46-for-177 (.260) against Nola with 10 home runs, with 19 walks, and 43 strikeouts.
Needless to say, both sides are very familiar with each other.
As for Max Fried, he’s 3-2 against the Phillies in 11 games (5 starts) with a 4.15 ERA in 34.2 innings with 34 strikeouts.
The studs in the Philadelphia lineup, Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, have hit him well going a combined 11-for-31 (.355) with 4 home runs. However, Fried does have 5 strikeouts against each of them.