Phillies vs Braves Betting Preview: Can Braves even Series in Game 2?

We’re headed to Game 2 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Braves!

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to have the Atlanta Braves number. The Phillies earned an NLDS win over the Braves last year. Now they’re up 1-0 in the NLDS heading into Game 2 this MLB season.

Although starting pitcher Ranger Suarez only went 3.2 innings, he allowed just one hit and one walk in 3.2 innings. He set the tone, while six other deliverers helped combine with Suarez for a shutout performance.

To start the series, the Braves had home-field advantage. But that quickly changed after Game 1. The Phillies and Braves each have two more home games in the series, if necessary.

Can the Braves tie the series up on Monday?

Take a look at the Phillies vs Braves betting preview for Game 2 of this NL East Rivalry series in the postseason.

Bryce Harper Is Clutch!

Bryce Harper hit a 115 mph laser to right field for his first home run of the postseason in the 6th inning. He gave the Phillies some insurance when the Phillies were up only 1-0 in the 6th inning.

This season. Harper only hit 21 home runs with 72 RBIs in 126 games. He didn’t drive in as many runs as he typically does. But his average was .293, and he was on base over 40% of the time this season.

He went from one of the most hated MLB players to one of the more likable players. He’s ultimately helped the Phillies become one of the most exciting teams in the MLB. Tickets for the Braves-Phillies series are much higher than any other games on the secondary market.

It’s because Harper has helped lead an excellent group of players.

The Phillies are now in line to make the NLCS after their Game 1 victory.

Can the Braves Find Offense?

The Atlanta Braves added the most wins in the MLB season this year. But, again, the offense struggled to find any rhythm in Game 1 of the NLDS.

The Braves tried intrasquad games before the NLDS to escape the struggles at the plate because of a bye week. They didn’t want to sit around for nearly a week and not play any games.

But that apparently didn’t matter. Seven different pitchers in Game 1 shut out the offense. They faced lefties and righties but had just five hits and committed two errors in the field.

The Braves led the MLB in runs this season with 947. The Dodgers were second with 906. They also hit 307 home runs and were on base 34% of the time. Atlanta was first in those categories and many others on the offense.

However, the Braves put up a goose egg against Philadelphia’s third pitcher in the rotation. Now they’ll have to take on Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, who already each added quality starts in the postseason when they faced the Marlins in the NL Wild Card.

Atlanta fans likely don’t feel good right now. We don’t blame them.

Take a look at the MLB betting lines for Game 2 of the Phillies vs Braves betting preview.

Early Odds:Run Line Atlanta -1.5 +130 ML Philadelphia -165, O/U 8 -110/-110

Zack Wheeler Is Red-Hot!

The Phillies will ride out their second game with Zack Wheeler on the mound in the playoffs. Wheeler pitched in the first game of the NL Wild Card series against the Marlins and added a win with an ERA of 1.35.

He went 6.2 innings and allowed one run with eight strikeouts against the Marlins in that playoff start. The right-hander also threw 100 pitches while earning 11 ground balls. He only gave up five fly balls in the entire game.

Wheeler was consistent this season and is just as consistent in the playoffs. He struck out 27% of batters this season. while keeping walks down to 4.8%. Opponents hit a .132 ISO and wOBA of .279 throughout the year, which wasn’t all that good. Wheeler was dominant.

Over the last month. Wheeler has had some struggles against lefties. Lefties have smacked a .164 ISO and wOBA of .358 in the previous 30 days. Wheeler has also struck out just 19.7% of lefties in that time.

Therefore, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Michael Harris all have a slight advantage against Wheeler. Those are the three bets that can create some havoc against Wheeler.

Combined, those three lefties have hit an ISO of above .300 against righties, with a wOBA of nearly .450.

Max Fried’s Blister Has Healed

The Braves did things differently this year. After falling out of the playoffs to the Phillies in the NLDS last season, the Phillies played some intrasquad games to keep the consistency of baseball games. The Braves felt they lost their mojo against a team that had previously played in the Wild Card last season.

In those games, the Braves allowed Max Fried to pitch to see if the blister on his finger healed. The Braves and Fried were happy with what they saw and announced him as the second pitcher for the series.

Fried last pitched on September 21 in a real major league game. But in September, he threw four games and allowed just five runs and 16 hits in 24 innings. He faced the Phillies on September 12 and allowed one run on four hits in five innings.

Fried struck out six and walked two.

His September ERA was 1.88. The left-hander is one of the most consistent pitchers in the MLB. He’s typically a guy who will give you quality starts in most games.

Fried has held MLB teams to a .100 ISO and wOBA of .282 this season with over 59% of ground balls. The same happened in the last month, where he was super dominant.

He’ll take on a Phillies lineup that has hit lefties well. The Phillies have Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, Nick Castellanos, and Brandon Marsh hitting lefties at an above-average pace over the last 30 days.

But again, Wheeler and Fried have been dominant. Good pitching always beats good hitting. With the MLB betting odds at 8.5 for the total, we’d suggest taking the Under in our Phillies vs Braves betting preview.

For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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