The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves will play Game 2 of their series on Friday. Neither team has played their best baseball, but MLB odds are leaning toward the Braves.
The Braves won the opening game, 8-5, with Austin Riley hitting two monster home runs over 450 feet. The game was tied at five headed into the eighth inning till the Braves scored three runs to get the win.
Phillies Need Jolt on Offense
There have been a lot of low points to the start of the Phillies season, not living up to the early MLB playoffs odds that came with being the defending NL Pennant winners. The lack of offensive consistency has played a big part, scoring the 12th fewest runs in the last 15 days.
TREA TIES IT UP#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/6NOkMz59EA
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 24, 2023
However, Wednesday’s big walk-off win over the Arizona Diamondbacks helped spark the offense. Trea Turner, who has been booed at home, headlined MLB news for hitting a two-run homer to tie the game in the ninth, with Alec Bohm getting the walk-off single. It did spark the offense a little, putting up five runs in Game 1 against the Braves, but it wasn’t enough to win.
Braves Big Bats Making Noise
While the Braves’ offense is not solely based on star players putting up big numbers, it sure does help. Atlanta also has the star power worthy of bets in MLB picks and parlays.
Ronald Acuña Jr. won April’s Player of the Month and is still playing well. However, two of the hottest bats in the Braves lineup have been Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna. They both have seven runs batted in over the last seven days. Olson has found his power, hitting his 14th home run – 456 feet – in the final game of the previous series, with three in the last seven games.
Starting Pitching
Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.79 ERA) vs Jared Shuster (1-2, 5.49)
Out of two talented pitching staffs, this matchup will feature the backend members of the rotation, affecting MLB lines. Taijuan Walker will be taking the mound for the Phillies, struggling in his first season with the team. He has a 5.79 ERA, which has been consistent with his struggles. But, his last start was also his best, going for 5.1 shutout innings, not allowing a run for the first time.
On the other side, Jared Shuster will get his fifth start. Atlanta has had to deal with injuries, leading to Shuster being called back up. His first two starts in April were not good, having an 8.31 ERA, but in May, he has been better, with a 3.27 through two outings. There was a little over a month between those two sets, having been sent back down to the minors, which may be what Shuster needed.
Phillies vs Braves Head-to-Head
This is the first series between these NL East rivals this season, with the Braves winning in 2022-23 11-8. Atlanta won the first game of the current series 8-5, which also hit the over.
Phillies vs Braves Game Information
- Game: Phillies (23-27) vs Braves (31-19)
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- Day/Time: Friday, May 26, 7:20 p.m. EST
- Phillies vs Braves Live Stream: MLB.tv
Phillies vs Braves Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
With two struggling pitchers facing star-studded lineups, this game should hit the over. The total is worthy of being an MLB pick, with the Brave’s lineup being very good, and the Phillies having stars that can get hot.
Pick: Over 9½ -115
Moneyline Pick
Due to neither team having their best pitcher on the mound, this game could come down to who can take the biggest advantage of the situation. Atlanta is possibly helped by being home, with a lineup that has been good all season and should be able to put up enough runs to win.
Pick: Atlanta Braves -148
