The Atlanta Braves are coming off of a series where they were swept by the Marlins in Miami. It's been rare for this team to be swept all season. They will want to change things, especially being back at home.
They will also get Ronald Acuna Jr. back in the lineup after missing the last two games with tightness in his calf. He is a welcome addition back.
Kyle Wright will take the lead for the Braves and start game one of their final series with the Phillies in the regular season. Atlanta played the Phillies on their most recent road trip and took 3 of the 4 games from Phily.
However, it wasn't an easy series as the Philadelphia offense is absolutely on fire right now. Turner, Schwarber, and Harper all headline this potent offense. Wright will have to navigate the Phillies lineup for a second start in a week and that always makes you nervous.
Wright made his first start back from the IL for Atlanta on Sept. 11 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies drove Wright from the game after just 3 innings as they scored 6 runs on 6 hits. While Kyle shouldn't be expected to be super sharp in just his second start back from injury, the Braves will need his best to get themselves back in the win column.
The bullpen will also have to step up and pitch better. It was a rough series for the bullpen in Miami as they allowed a bunch of runs. There is still time to turn things around and they could have just had a bad series or the Marlins are just that hot.
Regardless, Atlanta cannot expect to make a run at the World Series with a bullpen performing like that. The Braves offense is super potent but they cannot make up multiple run deficits each and every game.
Atlanta will face Zack Wheeler tonight. Wheeler faced the Braves last week and too the loss in that start. He held the Braves at bay for the most part but they eventually got to him scoring 6 runs on 7 hits.
They will hope to replicate that success and get them back on track. Atlanta is still trying to keep the best record in baseball so they can maintain home-field advantage for the playoffs. Game one begins at 7:20 PM EST.
Game Information
Location and time: Truist Park in Atlanta, GA 7:20 PM EST
Watch: Bally Sports South
Listen: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan