Aaron Nola (5-2, 4.02 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (53-85) go up against Ryan Weber (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (55-83) in the second of a three-game division series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies lost the last game 7-2, extending a five-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sep. 8 and will air on CSPh and SPSO.
In his last start, Nola pitched 4.0 innings, giving up six runs and striking out four in a 9-4 loss to the Mets. This is the first start of the season for Weber. Freddie Freeman (.283, 55 Rs, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Phillies have an SU record of 22-33 against teams in their division. The Phillies are a stellar hitting team with 8.7 hits per game, one of the highest marks in the NL. Whenever an NL East opponent shows up on the calendar, the Phillies pitch better. They allow an average of 5.2 runs per game, but allow just 4.6 against teams from their own division.
Against teams in their division, the Braves are 25-32 SU. The Braves will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Atlanta’s run production has dropped to 2.4 runs per game, compared to 3.9 for the duration of the season. The Braves are known for their bats, hitting a league-leading 324 extra base hits. The Braves average just 6.9 strikeouts per game, good for least in the NL. Atlanta’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 9.2 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.8.
The right-handed Nola will take the mound against the Braves, who have a 45-66 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Phi
Notes
Atlanta has won 35% (23-43) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Philadelphia has won 41% (27-39) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 3-13 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 31-15. The Braves have a 38-18 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 495 this season. Philadelphia ranks 27th with 531 runs.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 319 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top half at 11th with 406.
The Phillies are 35-40 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 33-30 when they hit at least one homer.
