The Braves are looking to return to their winning ways after losing their last three games. Atlanta will take on the St. Louis Cardinals for their final series match. The Cards have struggled this year but have been playing well at Truist, hitting multiple home runs each game.
Atlanta will be sending out Max Fried, who was dominant in his last start against the Dodgers in LA. Fried has pitched very well, not losing a step since his return from the IL. In that span, the lefty has enjoyed a 3-0 record in six starts. St. Louis will rely on Georgia native Adam Wainwright to finish the series.
Pitching Matchup for Braves vs. Cardinals
Max Fried has returned to his ace form over the last few games. On September 2nd, Fried went seven scoreless innings against LA, taking away any momentum from the Dodgers batters. His control was very accurate, mixing in off-speed and a powerful fastball. On the year, Max is 6-1 with a 2.52 ERA. What has separated him is that he has only given up 13 walks throughout the season. His ability to prevent easy bases has made it difficult for opposing teams to generate rallies.
When watching Fried, you can expect a mid-90s four-seam fastball mixed with a heavy sinking curveball. The effective combination will also showcase a mid-80s slider and change with a low-90s sinker.
The Cardinals will be utilizing Adam Wainwright to sweep the series. The 18-year vet has struggled this season, posting a 3-10 record and a 8.10 ERA. While Wainwright has allowed 25 runs over his last five games, he pitched well in his previous appearance against San Diego. Historically, he has pitched well vs. the Braves, going 10-4 over 25 appearances. While Acuña is still looking for his first hit vs. Adam, Ozzie Albies tends to see him well, batting .500.
When watching Wainwright, he will mainly utilize an upper 80s sinker, paired with a 72-mph curve and 83-mph curve. He will also mix in a mid-80s four-seam fastball, with the occasional slider and slow curve. The curve is his primary putaway pitch, generating significant movement combined with the overall slower arsenal.
Hitters to watch
Ozzie Albies will be interesting to watch tonight, as he has generated a lot of success opposing Wainwright. Over his career, Albies has hit .500 with three walks. The switch-hitter has been batting well since the Colorado series, knocking 11 hits in his last seven games.
Michael Harris II will also look to extend his perfect streak against the vet. Harris is 3 for 3 when batting against Adam and will be looking to add to his nine-game hit streak. Furthermore, Harris has been feeding the lineup, raising his batting average by eleven points over the last ten games.
Where to watch:
Date/Time/Location: 9/7/2023 at 7:20 PM EST at Truist Park
TV: Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan
Odds:
ATL: -350
O/U: 10.5