In the second of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (60-74) and the Atlanta Braves (52-83) at Citizens Bank Park, Vince Velasquez (8-6, 4.21 ERA) and John Gant (1-3, 4.59 ERA) take the mound. The Braves won the last game 8-4, and Atlanta leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 3 and will air on CSPh and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Velasquez pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out seven and walking one in a 5-1 victory over the Mets. Ryan Howard (.199, 30 Rs, 20 HRs, 46 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. The Braves were unsuccessful the last time Gant pitched. He tossed 2.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out one in a 7-0 loss to the Giants. Freddie Freeman (.292, 83 Rs, 28 HRs, 70 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Braves, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs and one RBI.
Notes
Atlanta has won 33% (16-32) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Philadelphia has won 47% (30-34) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 24-53 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 7-58. The Phillies have a 14-60 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 94 this season. Philadelphia ranks near the bottom with 135.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 335 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top half at 12th with 421.
The Phillies are 50-41 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 29-33 when they hit at least one homer.
