Game Preview: Strider makes last start before All-Star break

The Atlanta Braves continue their series with the AL leading Tampa Bay Rays, as they wrap up the first half of the season.

Atlanta Braves v Tampa Bay Rays
Atlanta Braves v Tampa Bay Rays | Mike Ehrmann/GettyImages

The Atlanta Braves got off to a great start in this highly anticipated series, when they emerged victorious last night despite getting just two hits. They will try to stretch their lead for best record in baseball tonight, when Spencer Strider takes the mound for his last start before the All-Star break.

After Sean Murphy’s record breaking home run last night, the Braves will look to continue their obliterating of baseballs against 22 year-old Taj Bradley. He will be looking to end the Rays losing streak, which now sits at six consecutive games.

Braves vs. Rays Pitching Matchup

Spencer Strider will be making his final start of the first half in 2023, before getting a well-deserved break during All-Star week. On the year Strider owns a 10-2 record, 3.66 ERA, 2.98 FIP, and a major league leading 155 strikeouts and 14.2 K/9.

In his last outing, Strider went 6.2 innings while allowing two runs and punching out nine. This is a great matchup of power versus power to end the first half on for Strider. Then he can catch his breath and rest during the break, and come back strong ready to anchor the rotation with a returning Max Fried.

Rays rookie, Taj Bradley will be making his 13th career start agaisnt the powerful Braves lineup. Like the Rays team as a whole, Bradley has been struggling recerecently, going just 7.1 innings in his last two starts combined. Across those two starts, Bradley has allowed 12 earned runs and surrendered five home runs. Hopefully, that bodes well for the Braves extending their consecutive games with at least one home run streak to 25.

How to watch Braves vs. Rays - 7/8/23

Date/Time/Location: 7/8/2023 at 7:15 PM EST at Tropicana Field

TV: Fox - National

Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan