What to watch as Phillies head to Atlanta in first road trip of the season
Photo via Philadelphia Phillies' Twitter
The 5-1 Philadelphia Phillies hit the road for the first time this season as they head to Atlanta to play the 2-4 Braves.
Here’s what to watch:
Week after getting swept, the Braves are better
Since the Braves left Philly a week ago, both teams have won a series. The Phillies took two of three at home from the New York Mets, while the Braves took two of three in Washington over the Nationals. Friday night is Atlanta’s home opener.
One of the most looked at stats of the Phillies’ season-opening sweep of the Braves was the three-for-44 combined line for the top four hitters in Atlanta’s lineup: Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Freddie Freeman, and Marcell Ozuna. It was the first time in Freeman’s career that he’s gone hitless in a three-game series against the Phillies.
Acuña was on fire in D.C. after doing nothing in Philly. In his last three games, he’s five-for-11 with two homers, a double, four RBI, four runs scored, and two steals.
Wheeler pitches after fantastic performance from both sides
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler pitched last Saturday against the Braves and dominated. He pitched seven innings, he allowed zero runs, and one hit. He performance included 10 strikeouts and zero walks. It was the first time in his career he pitched a one hit game.
The follow up with his performance on the hill, he did it from the batters box as well. Wheeler went 2-for-3 with two RBI’s and a run scored.
All eyes will be on Wheeler Friday night to see if he can follow up on his performance and be just a dominate. He’ll be facing a similar Braves lineup that has improved.
Charlie Morton will start for the Braves, who Wheeler hit the two RBI’s and Rhys Hoskins hit a RBI double off of. Morton allowed six total hits against the Phils, two walks, three earned runs, and five strikeouts.
Lineups
Phillies:
Braves:
Essentials
When: 7:20 P.M. E.S.T.
Where: Truist Field
Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia +
Radio: 94.1 WIP
Social media coverage: Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter & Instagram.
