Phillies vs Braves Picks and Prediction – 4/9/2025

Philadelphia rolls into Atlanta on April 9 with a 7-2 record, riding high off an 8-7 win over the Dodgers. The Braves limp in at 1-8, dropping four of five to start April, most recently falling to LA as well. On the mound, Taijuan Walker (1-0, 0.00 ERA) goes for the Phillies, facing Grant Holmes (0-1, 7.20 ERA) for Atlanta in a clear mismatch on paper. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Phillies have come out hot, winning five of the last six while swinging the bats with authority. Kyle Schwarber leads the team with four homers and eight RBIs, while Bryson Stott is hitting .286 with a .355 OBP. They’ve tallied 10 home runs, 45 runs, and are hitting .268 as a team with a .427 slugging percentage. The lineup has shown great plate discipline, drawing 23 walks and striking out 100 times. Walker has been sharp, giving up just three hits in six scoreless innings in his lone start.

On the mound, Philadelphia has been solid, holding opponents to a .219 average and a 3.22 team ERA. The bullpen has held up well despite some key injuries like Ranger Suarez (IL until Apr. 25) and Christian McGowan (out long-term). The WHIP is a clean 1.09, and they’ve limited power with just a few homers allowed. 

Atlanta is in a serious early-season funk. The Braves have dropped eight of nine and can’t seem to put it together offensively or on the mound. In the last outing, they were overwhelmed by the Dodgers and have managed just 24 total runs this season. Marcell Ozuna leads the team with a .240 average, one homer, and five RBIs, but the rest of the offense is nowhere to be found. The Braves’ .193 batting average and .280 OBP are among the worst in baseball right now.

Atlanta has been a mess on the hill. The Brave are allowing opponents to hit .251 with a bloated team ERA of 4.36. Holmes got rocked in his last start, giving up four runs on five hits across five innings. The Braves bullpen hasn’t done much better, and they’re missing major pieces like Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo López. The team WHIP of 1.30 and just 72 strikeouts show the lack of control and swing-and-miss stuff. 

Philadelphia has the clear edge in the pitching matchup, offensive production, and overall form. Walker’s dominant first start contrasts heavily with Holmes’ struggles, and the Phillies’ .268 team average dwarfs the Braves’ .193. Atlanta just doesn’t have the firepower right now, especially with Acuña out. Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies win 6-2.