Braves vs Phillies Picks and Prediction – 8/29/2024

The Atlanta Braves, with a record of 72-60 and a respectable 36-32 mark on the road, are set to take on the Philadelphia Phillies, who boast a 78-54 record and an impressive 44-23 home record. This game, taking place at Citizens Bank Park, will feature a pitching duel between Atlanta's Charlie Morton and Philadelphia's Cristopher Sanchez. Morton, with a 7-7 record and a 4.24 ERA, will face off against Sanchez, who holds a 9-9 record and a solid 3.51 ERA. The Braves come into this matchup after a thrilling 8-6 victory in extra innings against the Minnesota Twins, while the Phillies are riding high after a dominant 5-0 win over the Houston Astros. Elevate your MLB game with our top-notch MLB picks.

The Atlanta Braves have had an up-and-down season, and recent form mirrors that inconsistency. Morton has been reliable, but his 4.24 ERA and 1.30 WHIP indicate that he can be vulnerable, particularly against a Phillies lineup that has been potent at home. Offensively, the Braves are led by Marcell Ozuna, who has been a powerhouse with 37 home runs and 98 RBIs. 

However, the Braves as a team have been inconsistent in generating runs, which is evident from a .242 team batting average. The Braves' pitching staff has been solid, posting a team ERA of 3.65, but they will need to play well to contain the Phillies, especially with key players like Austin Riley on the IL. 

On the other hand, the Philadelphia Phillies are in fine form, having won the last four games, including a sweep of the Kansas City Royals and two victories over the Houston Astros. Cristopher Sanchez has been one of the most reliable arms this season, and his 3.51 ERA and 1.27 WHIP suggest that he can limit the Braves' offense. 

The Phillies' lineup, featuring Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, has been consistent all season, with a team batting average of .259 and 157 home runs. Schwarber leads the team with 28 home runs, while Turner has been a key contributor with a .305 average. The Phillies' pitching has also been strong, with a team ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.20, making them a tough opponent for any team. The Phillies' home record of 44-23 is one of the best in the league, and they have the momentum coming into this game.

For this matchup, the edge seems to be with the Philadelphia Phillies. They have been consistent at home, and with Sanchez on the mound, they have the pitching advantage. The Braves' inconsistent offense and Morton's problems on the mound will make it difficult for Atlanta. Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies win 5-3.