Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.80 ERA) and Joel De La Cruz (0-7, 4.66 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (60-73) and the Atlanta Braves (51-83) at Citizens Bank Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and can be seen on CSPh and FSSO.
Hellickson pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out four and walking three in a 12-1 defeat to the Mets. Odubel Herrera (.282, 68 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs, 19 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday. De La Cruz went 4.0 innings, surrendering six runs (three unearned) and striking out two in a 7-0 defeat to the Giants in his last outing. Matt Kemp (.259, 68 Rs, 26 HRs, 88 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run and two RBIs.
The odds for Philadelphia and Atlanta are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Philadelphia has a record of 23-30 SU. The Phillies have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 2.3 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.7 runs per game. Philadelphia’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 4.2 against fellow NL East members, compared to its 4.8 season average. The Phillies are the top team in the NL at limiting walks during home games, allowing only 2.7 walks per contest to their opponents this season.
The Braves are 21-30 against fellow NL East members. Offensively, the Braves have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.8 runs per game by averaging 5.6 during that stretch. The Braves average 4.9 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the NL East is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 4.3 against division foes. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Braves have the fourth-fewest in the NL with an average of just 2.9 walks allowed per game.
The Phillies lead the season series, 8-5. The Phillies have a 46-57 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when De La Cruz takes the mound. Hellickson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 36-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – PHI
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Philadelphia is 30-34, while Atlanta is 16-32.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 4-10 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 7-58. The Phillies have a 14-59 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 93 this season. Philadelphia ranks near the bottom with 134.
Ranking 14th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.97 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 with 8.44.
Ranking 30th, Philadelphia is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.682). Atlanta ranks near the bottom at 29th with an OPS of .688.
The Braves are 24-64 when they allow at least one home run. The Phillies perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 27-58 record.
