The Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves meet Thursday in MLB action from SunTrust Park. Philadelphia is coming off a series versus the Diamondbacks this week. The Phillies lost the first pair in that set, then on Wednesday Philadelphia eked out a victory. As for Atlanta, they’re fresh off a set versus the Dodgers. Atlanta also lost their first pair, then in game three the Braves eked out a win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies lost to the Diamondbacks 6-3 Monday and 4-3 in game two. In the Wednesday finale the Phillies prevented the sweep with a dramatic 6-5 win in 10 innings. Starter Ranger Suarez lasted 5.0 innings with five earned on five hits and a walk.
For the starter job on Thursday the Phillies are sending out Aaron Nola. In 10 starts this year Nola is 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA and 53 Ks in 62.2 innings. Nola is 82-65 in his career with a 3.64 ERA in 213 starts.
Atlanta Braves
Over on the Atlanta side, they lost to the Dodgers 8-6 on Monday and 8-1 in the Tuesday matchup. In the series finale the Braves stopped the sweep as well with a 4-3 win. Bryce Elder lasted 6.0 frames with one earned, seven hits and a walk in the start.
Dylan Dodd will get the start for the Braves on Thursday. Through his first three starts (the first three of his career) this season Dodd is 2-1 with a 6.46 ERA and seven Ks in 15.1 innings.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably take a stab on the Phillies here. So long as Nola has a good start, that is. Over his last three outings combined, Nola has 20.0 innings total with eight earned on 15 hits and four walks. He’s 2-1 in that time. Philadelphia didn’t have a great series against the Diamondbacks, but the 11-run total in three games isn’t too bad and they were able to work their way out of a 5-0 hole in the finale. If Philly can keep that going behind Nola I think they’ve got a good shot on Thursday.