The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies clash Wednesday in game 4 of an MLB series at Citizens Bank Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Braves look for a win after winning 5 of their last 7 games. The Braves have a 16 game lead in the NL East. The Braves pitching staff is 6th in ERA (3.93), 13th in WHIP (1.27) and 11th in quality starts (56). The Braves’ offense is 1st in runs per game (5.84), 1st in batting average (.275) and 1st in homers (278). Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with 196 hits and 97 RBI, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson have combined for 311 hits and 213 RBI. Spencer Strider gets the ball, and he is 16-5 with a 3.83 ERA and 250 strikeouts this season. Strider is 6-0 with a 1.62 ERA and 52 strikeouts in his career against the Phillies.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

• The Braves have won 12 of their last 13 night games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games against National League opponents following an extra innings win.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last five Wednesday games at Citizens Bank Park.
• The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three night games against National League opponents.
• The Braves have led after 7 innings in each of their last five Wednesday night games against the Phillies.

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview

The Phillies need a win after losing 5 of their last 8 games. The Phillies are still first place in the NL wild card race. The Phillies pitching staff is 13th in ERA (4.03), 8th in WHIP (1.24) and 8th in quality starts (63). The Phillies’ offense is 9th in runs per game (4.91), 8th in batting average (.259) and 11th in homers (191). Trea Turner leads the Phillies with 159 hits and 75 RBI, while Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott have combined for 308 hits and 148 RBI. Cristopher Sanchez gets the ball, and he is 2-3 with a 3.26 ERA and 73 strikeouts this season. This will be Sanchez’s second career game against the Braves.

Philadelphia Phillies Team Facts

• The Phillies have won each of their last 10 night games against NL East opponents following a home loss.
• The Phillies have covered the run line in each of their last 10 night games against NL East opponents following a home loss.
• The Phillies have led after 7 innings in each of their last four Wednesday games as underdogs.
• The Phillies have led after 3 innings in eight of their last 12 games as home underdogs against NL East opponents.
• The Phillies have led after 5 innings in nine of their last 13 games as home underdogs against NL East opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• 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.
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for runs scored this season (848).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for hits this season (1372).

Randy’s Pick

The Braves are not only the better team, but wins like last night only add to their confidence. It’s hard to step in front of the Braves, especially with Spencer Strider on the mound, who happens to have owned the Phillies with a 6-0 record and 1.62 ERA. In 103 at bats against current Phillies, Strider is allowing a .184 batting average with 40 strikeouts. That’s not much left to say here. I’m not stepping in front of the Braves with Strider on the mound. It only helps he’s facing a team he’s owned in his career.