The Atlanta Braves took game 1 of arguably the biggest game of the year. A Braves win in game 2 would almost lock up the NL East.
The Atlanta Braves come into tonight’s game with a 3.5 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win last night reduced the magic number to 3.
A win in game 2 would not win the division for the Braves, but it would essentially be the final nail in the coffin. A win tonight would mean the Braves would only need one more win or one more Philadelphia loss over the last four games.
It would also mean the Braves game against the Colorado Rockies would only be necessary if they lose their final four games.
Braves-Phillies Game Time?
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:20 PM ET at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.
Braves-Phillies TV Channel?
You can watch the game locally on Bally Sports South or NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Braves vs. Phillies Odds on Wednesday
Sports Betting Dime has the Braves as a -140 favorite (bet $140 to win $100) for Wednesday night’s game with the Phillies as +120 underdogs (bet $100 to win $120).
The Braves are -1.5 run favorites (+150), or one can bet on the Phillies to cover +1.5 runs (-170). The over-under for runs is set at 8.
- Over 8 (-115)
- Under 8 (-105)
Starting Pitchers:
Atlanta Braves: Max Fried
Max Fried was considered the Ace coming into 2021, and while he got off to a slow start, he has bounced back to have a great season.
Fried currently has a 3.12 ERA, 3.59 xERA, 3.38 FIP, 3.46 xFIP with 152 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP.
Max Fried is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 14 strikeouts in two appearances against the Phillies this year.
- April 1st: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 ER, 8 SO (ND)
- July 23rd: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 4 ER, 6 SO (L)
The Phillies lineup in 2021 is hitting .300/.396/.475 against Fried.
Bryce Harper is hitting .412/.524/.824 with 2 HR across 21 plate appearances against Max Fried in his career.
Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola is having a pedestrian year by his standards; however, it does appear to be a bit unlucky.
Nola currently has a 4.64 ERA, 3.39 xERA, 3.38 FIP, 3.30 xFIP with 219 strikeouts, and a 1.12 WHIP.
Nola is 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts in four appearances against the Braves this year.
- April 1st: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 6 SO (ND)
- May 9th: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 ER, 4 SO (L)
- June 8th: 5 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 ER, 7 SO (ND)
- July 25th: 8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 9 SO (W)
The Braves lineup in 2021 is hitting .232/.255/.505 against Nola.
Austin Riley is hitting .375/.400/.875 with 3 HR across 25 plate appearances against Aaron Nola in his career.
Why the Braves will win
Max Fried has locked in. Fried may not have the best numbers in his two starts against the Phillies this season, but since the start of August, he has carried the Braves rotation.
In his 10 starts since August 3rd, Fried has a 1.48 ERA, 2.65 FIP, 2.93 xFIP, 7.79 K/9, 1.21 BB/9, and 0.54 HR/9.
In his last two starts, he has thrown 16 scoreless innings, including a complete-game shutout, or “Maddux,” in his last start against the San Diego Padres. This was Fried’s second “Maddux” of the season.
Those last two starts came in big moments for the Braves. Fried’s seven-inning gem against the Giants broke up a losing streak and got the team back on track.
The complete game against the Padres came off a demoralizing loss against the Diamondbacks the previous day and the loss in the suspended game against the Padres. His performance could be viewed as the catalyst for the road sweep in San Diego.
Why the Phillies will win
This is arguably the season for the Phillies. While they would not technically be eliminated, it would basically be the end for the team. They would fall to 4.5 games back with four games to play, and the Braves having five if they had to play the Colorado Rockies.
If they want any shot at winning the division, this has to be viewed as a must-win for the Phillies.
Bryce Harper has attempted to will the Phillies into the playoffs over the last two months. Since August 1st, Harper is hitting .335/.470/.754 18 HR, 45 R, 44 RBI, a .487 wOBA, and a 207 wRC+.
Even with the herculean effort from Harper, it may not be enough for the Phillies, but they have to win today, and one figures Harper needs to have a big game.
Harper may not be able to lead the team to an NL East title, but it does appear that he has made himself the favorite to win the MVP award.
Braves vs. Phillies Live Stream
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