Free Daily Lock Pick: NFL: Saints vs Panthers- September 18th - Max Confidence Comp
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The Philadelphia Phillies face the Atlanta Braves with both teams looking to cap off remarkable seasons on a high note and head into the postseason with momentum. The Phillies have an 81-68 record and with a 24-18 record since August, they have leaped into the top wild-card spot in the National League. The Braves have a 96-53 record which is the best in the National League but hope to rebound from three losses in a row. For the upcoming game, the Phillies will turn to Zack Wheeler as their starting pitcher who has allowed nine runs in his last three starts while the Braves will turn to Kyle Wright who has allowed nine runs in the last two starts.
Phillies hope Wheeler and lineup step up
The Phillies are having a great season and look like a team poised to make a World Series run once the postseason rolls around. Zack Wheeler will start the upcoming game and he has been the ace of the Phillies staff, allowing only 75 runs in 175 innings pitched while tossing 196 strikeouts. Additionally, with a .228 expected opponent Batting Average, a 4.9 Walk Rate, and a 3.19 expected ERA, opponents are making minimal contact and struggling to drive in runs against Wheeler this season.
Wheeler has stepped up but the lineup has carried the Phillies this season, scoring 4.90 runs per game. Bryce Harper is slashing .290/.393/.479 with 17 home runs and 201 total bases while Brandon Marsh is slashing .286/.374/.460 with 10 home runs and 172 total bases but the entire lineup has stepped up this season. Kyle Schwarber is slashing .197/.344/.475 with 44 home runs and 256 total bases while Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos have added 50 home runs and 550 total bases to add depth to the lineup, making the Phillies tough to stop.
Free Daily Lock Pick: NFL: Saints vs Panthers- September 18th - Max Confidence Comp Click to see the pick now
Braves hope lineup helps out Wright
The Braves are having a great season and hope to secure the best record in the National League. Kyle Wright will start the upcoming game and he hopes to rebound from a rough year on the mound as he's allowing 20 runs in 21.2 innings pitched. In addition, with a .450 expected opponent Slugging Percentage, a 50.7 Hard-Hit Rate, and a 5.60 expected ERA, opponents are making hard contact and crushing pitches against Wright to easily drive in runs.
Wright has struggled but the lineup has been the best in baseball, scoring 5.83 runs per game with 22 runs in the last four games. Ronald Acuna Jr. is slashing .337/.418/.586 with 37 home runs and 350 total bases while Matt Olson is slashing .281/.388/.617 with 52 home runs and 345 total bases but the rest of the lineup has been great as well. Sean Murphy is slashing .264/.375/.497 with 20 home runs and 173 total bases while Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna have added 70 home runs and 553 total bases to add depth to the lineup, making the Braves tough to put away at the plate.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
This is going to be a great game between two of the best teams in the National League. The Phillies look to pull off the upset but I see the Braves bouncing back at home and controlling this game. The Braves, who average 5.83 runs per game, should drive in runs at will with Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, and the rest of the lineup making hard contact and powering the ball to easily drive in runs. The Braves should limit the Phillies lineup with Kyle Wright stepping up and pitching multiple strong innings to allow the bullpen to close out the game with a comfortable lead. The Braves should win the game with a strong performance at home.
Take the Braves money line as home Favorites.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Both teams have remarkable lineups that look to control this game from the first pitch. The Phillies, who average 4.90 runs per game, should drive in runs at will with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and the rest of the lineup making hard contact and powering the ball against Kyle Wright, who has allowed nine runs in his last two starts, to easily plate baserunners. The Braves, who have scored 22 runs in the last four games, should run up the score against Zack Wheeler, who has allowed nine runs in the last three starts, with Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and the rest of the lineup swinging for the fences and crushing pitches to easily circle the bases. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both lineups stepping up.
Take the Over on 9.5 runs.