Philadelphia Phillies (38-35) vs Atlanta Braves (47-26)
2023-06-22 13:05:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Philadelphia Phillies -120 / Atlanta Braves -105 --- Over/Under: 9.5
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The Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies meet Thursday in MLB action from Citizens Bank Park. This will be the finale in an intended three-game series. The Braves took a two-run win in the opener, then on Wednesday we had a rainout. That one will be made up as part of a doubleheader in September. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves scored twice in the seventh inning on the way to 10 team hits in a 4-2 win on Tuesday. Starter Spencer Strider put up 6.0 innings, one earned, eight hits and zero walks alongside nine Ks.
For the starter job in the Thursday matchup the Braves are sending out Bryce Elder. Over his 14 starts this year Elder is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA and 69 Ks in 83.0 innings. Elder is 7-5 with a 2.82 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) over his career.
Philadelphia Phillies
Over on the Phillies’ side, they out-hit the Braves 11-10 in the Tuesday game but still lost. Ranger Suarez lasted 6.0 innings with one earned on four hits and two walks.
It’ll be Aaron Nola in the start for the Phillies on Thursday. Nola is 6-5 this year with a 4.66 ERA in 15 games. Nola is 84-67 in his career with a 3.68 ERA in 218 starts.
The Braves are 4-0 in their last four Thursday games and 4-1 in the last five in game three of a series. Atlanta is 16-5 in their last 21 overall.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are 3-7 in their last 10 Thursday games and 39-19 in their last 58 at home. The under is 4-0 in Philly’s last four in game three of a series.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll try the Phillies here. Probably not touching it, though. Nola has a couple of rough starts lately with 13.0 innings, 10 earned, 13 hits and three walks in his last pair combined. That said, if Nola is on point and can get out of there with a quality start, Philly should be in good shape. Elder is coming off a 6.0-inning performance versus the Rockies with one earned on four hits and zero walks; he should have a nice start as well. Philly needs to take advantage of their opportunities at the plate but I think they’ve got a shot in this finale.
