The Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves meet Saturday in MLB Division Series playoffs action from SunTrust Park. This will be Game 1 in a best-of-five matchup. Philadelphia is coming off a Wild Card series versus the Marlins, winning consecutive games to move on. As for Atlanta, they finished at 104-58 overall this year, winning the National League Central by 14 games. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Philadelphia Phillies 

The Phillies didn’t have a ton of issues versus the Marlins this week in their Wild Card matchups. Philadelphia took a 4-1 win in the Tuesday game thanks to a nice start from Zack Wheeler (6.2 innings; one earned). In game two on Wednesday the Phillies won again, this time 7-1. Bryson Stott bagged a key grand slam in the sixth inning, while JT Realmuto managed a solo homer with two hits. 

As starter for the Saturday game, Philadelphia will send out Ranger Suarez. This year Suarez went 4-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 22 starts. Suarez is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in five career postseason games (three starts). 

Philadelphia Phillies Team Facts

The Phillies have lost each of their last six night games at Truist Park following a win.
The Phillies have covered the run line in eight of their last nine playoff games after not playing the previous day.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Phillies’ last four games.
The Phillies have led after 5 innings in each of their last four playoff games against NL East opponents.
The Phillies have led after 7 innings in each of their last four playoff games against NL East opponents.

Atlanta Braves 

Over on the Braves’ side, they were quite the power-hitting team this season, posting 307 home runs to lead the league. Atlanta also led the MLB in hits (1543), RBI (916) and runs (947). Ronald Acuna was a big contributor with 41 homers and 106 RBI, while Matt Olson was tops in the league with 54 home runs and 139 RBI. Austin Riley was tied for sixth in the MLB with 179 hits to his credit. Needless to say, the Braves offense is quite formidable. 

In the starting pitcher position for the Division Series Game 1, the Braves are going to go with Spencer Strider. This year Strider went 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA in 32 starts. In his lone career postseason start Strider lasted just 2.1 innings in a loss.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

The Braves have won each of their last six night playoff games after not playing the previous day.
The Braves have covered the run line in each of their last seven night playoff games following a loss.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last seven home games against NL East opponents.
The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four playoff games as favorites against NL East opponents.
The Braves have lost the first inning in three of their last four games as home favorites against NL East opponents. 

Matchup/League Facts

The Atlanta Braves rank 1st in the league for runs scored this season (947).
The Atlanta Braves rank 1st in the league for hits this season (1543).
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of only 3 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of only 3 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and home runs this season.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Braves in this one. (With the thick line however, you could make a great case for Philly.) Unless the extra rest this week throws Atlanta off their rhythm, the hitters should be able to generate quite a few base-running opportunities along the way. Atlanta should be in good shape with Strider on the mound as well. In seven career starts versus the Phillies, Strider is 7-0 with a 2.01 ERA. He went 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA against Philadelphia this season. 

As for the Phillies, it’ll be interesting to see what Suarez can do here. Suarez started Game 1 of the 2022 NLDS against the Braves and struggled with free passes, ultimately walking five batters across 3.1 innings. (Philly still won.) Suarez put up a 7.94 ERA in his final two regular-season starts so he’ll need a good bounce-back effort. I think he’ll get it, but I like Atlanta better win-wise. It’ll be a fun, competitive series if both teams play to their capabilities.