Braves at Mets 9/18/20 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series on the road in the Big Apple Friday against National League East rivals the New York Mets. Atlanta dropped to 29-21 following its 5-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The Braves lost two of three at Camden Yards against the Orioles but maintain a 2 ½-game lead over the second-place Miami Marlins at the top of the NL East standings.

First baseman Freddie Freeman is batting .352 to lead Atlanta and has team-highs in RBIs with 46, hits with 63 and on-base percentage at .465. Left fielder Adam Duvall has a team-high 15 home runs. On Friday, Atlanta will send Max Fried to the mound. The left-hander is 6-0 with an ERA of 1.98, 47 Ks and 17 BBs.

New York improved to 22-27 following its 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. The Mets are in fourth place in the AL East 6 ½ games behind the first-place Braves and with the victory on Wednesday snapped a three-game losing streak. Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom was forced to leave early due to a hamstring spasm, but the Mets rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Phillies.

Right fielder Michael Conforto is batting .341 to lead New York and has team highs in hits with 62 and on-base percentage at .429. First baseman Pete Alonzo is leading in home runs with 11 and designated hitter Dominic Smith is leading in RBIs with 38. On Friday, New York will send David Peterson to the mound. The left-hander is 4-2 with an ERA of 4.17, 26 Ks and 19 BBs.