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Sanchez Leads Phillies in Series Finale vs. Braves

The division rival Phillies and Braves are set to renew hostilities when they meet at Truist Park.

(Photo by Getty Images) Cristopher Sánchez

Philadelphia (74-52) at Atlanta (67-59)

  • When: Aug 22 2024, 7:08 PM
  • Where: Truist Park, Atlanta
  • Where to watch: FOX

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves
Moneyline

Philadelphia Phillies   -105
Atlanta Braves   -115

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves
Runline

Philadelphia Phillies   1.5 (-220)
Atlanta Braves   -1.5 (+180)

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves
Total

Over   8.0 (-110)
Under   8.0 (-110)

Probable Pitchers:
Philadelphia: Cristopher Sánchez (9-8, 3.46)
Atlanta: Spencer Schwellenbach (4-6, 4.04)

Team Stats

Phillies   Braves
74-52 Record 67-59
32-29 Away & Home 34-32
5-5 Last 10 6-4
W1 Streak L1

Game Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to left-hander Cristopher Sanchez to continue his strong performance as they face the Atlanta Braves in the final game of their three-game series on Thursday.

The Braves won the series opener 3-1 on Tuesday, but the Phillies bounced back to secure a 3-2 victory on Wednesday, ending Atlanta’s three-game winning streak. This result has extended Philadelphia’s lead in the National League East to seven games, while the Braves’ margin over the New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot has narrowed to just 1.5 games.

Sanchez (9-8, 3.46 ERA) is coming off an impressive complete game against the Washington Nationals, where he allowed only one run on two hits and struck out four without issuing a walk. He recorded 15 ground-ball outs, tying for the most by a Phillies pitcher since Statcast began tracking in 2008, and threw just 99 pitches in the game.

"He just continued to pound the strike zone," said Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto. "To pitch so deep into the game with such a low pitch count is impressive."

Sanchez has not faced the Braves this season, but he has made two starts against them in his career, losing both with a 4.73 ERA.

On the mound for Atlanta will be rookie right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (4-6, 4.04 ERA), who is looking to bounce back after a loss to the Los Angeles Angels. In that outing, he allowed three runs on four hits, along with eight strikeouts in five-plus innings.

"He’s really composed on the mound," said Braves first baseman Matt Olson. "He mixes up his pitches, works ahead, and trusts his stuff. His composure stands out."

Schwellenbach earned a win against the Phillies earlier this season, allowing just one run on seven hits over six innings.

Philadelphia’s offense has struggled recently, with Bryce Harper going 0-for-8 in the series and 0-for-14 against the Braves this season, striking out seven times. Alec Bohm’s streak of reaching base in 36 consecutive games also came to an end on Wednesday.

The rivalry between Harper and Braves player Orlando Arcia was reignited on Wednesday when Arcia homered and stared down Harper as he rounded the bases. This follows their heated exchange during the 2023 NL Division Series. When asked about the incident, Phillies manager Rob Thomson playfully pretended not to know, saying, "I heard about that… We won."

In a blow to Atlanta, they learned that left-handed setup man A.J. Minter will miss the remainder of the season due to left hip surgery. Minter had made 39 appearances this season, posting a 2.62 ERA with one save.

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MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Atlanta 4-3
Expert Pick: Atlanta -115 & Under 8 (-110)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $37

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