Braves Preview: Bryce Elder looks to continue strong start as the Astros come to town

The Atlanta Braves are off to a hot start to the 2023 season as they are now 14-5 on the year. After an impressive series against the Padres, they now turn their attention to reigning World Series champions the Houston Astros. Even though they have been missing some key players, Atlanta continues to impress and play at a high level.

Starting Pitchers for Game 1

Bryce Elder will take the mound for the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 and hopes to continue the incredible success he's had so far in 2023. Since being called up to take the fifth starting spot in early April, Elder is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.53 in 17.2 innings of work. His last start against Kansas City ended after 5.1 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Bryce has walked 6 batters in his first three outings and struck out 17 in that time frame as well. He's looked much more confident and his stuff has played well at the MLB level so far. He will have his hands full with a talented Astros offense that is relentless when firing on all cylinders.

Elder will be opposed by Astros rookie, Hunter Brown, who is off to an equally impressive 2-0 start with a 1.93 ERA. Brown's last two starts lasted 7 innings each with his most recent start against Texas coming with no earned runs on five hits including just one walk to five strikeouts.

Brown features four main pitches including a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and splitter. The Astros former top prospect is touted to be poised on the mound and confident in his ability to make pitches. It will be interesting to see how he handles a lineup as deep as the Atlanta Braves. It should be a fun matchup.

How to watch the Braves vs. Astros

Game time and location: 7:20 PM EST at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA

Watch: Apple TV+ (subscription not required)

Listen: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM