You’ve got to figure that the Philadelphia Phillies are happy with the outcome of the initial two games of their National League Divisional Series with the NL East rival Atlanta Braves.
The best-of-five series moves to Philadelphia, and the Phillies hope to finish things up with a pair of victories at Citizens Bank Park. Their first chance will come on Friday, with the first pitch coming at 4:37 p.m.
Let’s go back and take a closer look at Game 2 of the slate before considering our Phillies vs. Braves best bets.
Atlanta came out on the right side of a 3-0 decision in a game that felt like a must-win. Starting pitcher Kyle Wright, who finished the regular season with more wins (21) than any other pitcher, had a fantastic showing, shutting Philly out over six innings of work. His performance played a big part in limiting the Phillies to only three hits.
Center fielder Brandon Marsh, third baseman Alec Bohm, and right fielder Nick Castellanos went a combined 0-3 with runners in scoring position.
Meanwhile, the Braves needed only four hits to notch themselves a win. Each of their three runs came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Singles by first baseman Matt Olson, third baseman Austin Riley, and catcher Travis d’Arnaud all pushed across runs.
We’ll need to take a quick glance at what the bookmakers think ahead of making our Phillies vs. Braves best bets.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Odds
As of publication, there are very limited odds available. Most sportsbooks don’t have lines listed yet. However, where we can find some odds, the Atlanta Braves are the moneyline favorite averaging -143 odds.
Being in Philly might give the home team the advantage on the spread (-1.5).
Designated hitter Bryce Harper missed a good chunk of the season after breaking his thumb on a pitch. Over the first three games of the playoffs, he racked up a .500 batting average and a .583 on-base percentage. The reigning NL MVP figures to have to play a large role if his team is going to make a deep run to the World Series.
Matchup Information
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
For the Phillies, 29-year-old right-hander Aaron Nola will take to the mound. He went 11-13 this season with a 3.25 ERA. His 0.96 WHIP ranked within the majors’ top 10, while his 235 strikeouts were the fourth-most in MLB.
Nola’s pitched once this postseason already, in the Wild Card round against the St. Louis Cardinals. He went 6.2 innings and held the Cardinals scoreless in a winning decision. In all likelihood, he helped send Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina into retirement.
As of this writing, the Braves have not yet named a starter. They boasted one of the five best staffs in all of baseball during the regular season, having put up a 3.46 ERA.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
Considering our Phillies vs. Braves best bets, you’ve got to think that whoever comes out on top in this one will have a huge advantage in terms of momentum.
Atlanta has been on a torrid pace, one that vaulted them past the New York Mets in the division standings and put them in a much better position to defend their World Series crown. The Phillies, thought by many to be the third-best crew in their divison, have a prime chance to push the Braves to the brink of elimination.
Homefield advantage can’t do it all for Philly, though. Atlanta is a talented team that definitely found itself as it gave chase and overtook the Mets for the National League East division pennant.
Make sure you take the Braves to cover the spread on the road here. We’re thinking the Braves are moving one step closer to the National League Championship Series for a date with Los Angeles or San Diego.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
