Preview: Braves Look to Win the Series After Winning Two Straight
The Braves are looking to win the series today in the fourth game vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates. Atlanta has won two close games in a row, getting clutch hitting from Travis d'Arnaud in game two, and Michael Harris II in game three
Pitching preview
Bryce Elder will be making his 22nd start of the year for the Bravos. The 24-year-old has a 3.43 ERA and an 8-3 record. Elder will be looking to bounce back after his recent stretch, after a tough loss to the Cubs, where he gave up five earned runs. However, even after the rough stretch, the right-hander has posted a 1.23 WHIP and had great control in giving up any free bases. When watching Bryce, you can expect a tough slider with a lot of movement, paired with a four-seam fastball and change-up combo. Snitker and the pitching staff will expect him to go deep in the game, giving the bullpen additional rest.
The Bucs' will be sending a struggling Bailey Falter to the mound. While his last game, he only gave up one earned run in a no-decision. The lefty is 0-7 with a 4.87 ERA. Potentially a pitcher that has too many weapons in his arsenal, we can expect Falter to throw primarily a low 90s four-seamer. Paired with the fastball, we can also expect a curve, slider, sinker, and change-up to be mixed in. It will be essential for the Braves to remain aggressive on the fastball, as there is not any movement, and should not blow by anyone with the velocity.
Hitter to watch
Michael Harris II will look to continue his performance from yesterday. the sophomore center-fielder had two runs on three hits, while also taking a walk. Harris has been the best nine-hole hitter in the league ( and its not close), batting a solid .292 and bringing momentum back to Ronald Acuña Jr..
We can also expect Ozzie Albies to continue his dominant stretch. Since the Chicago series, Albies has raised his batting average by seven points, driving in five RBIs and hitting two homers. As a natural righty, he should feel comfortable at the plate, going against a pitcher he matches up well with.
Overall, we can expect the Braves overall to feel comfortable in the batter's box today, and believe we can put up many runs while getting to the bullpen early. I believe the Braves batters have had this date circled, and the bats all seem to be heating up at the right time, putting up 30 runs in their last five games.
How to watch Braves vs. Pirates - 8/9/23
Date/Time/Location: 8/10/2023 at 12:35 PM EST at PNC Park
TV: Bally Sports South, MLB Network (out-of-market)
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan
Odds
ATL: -210
O/U: 10