Phillies at Braves 4/9/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Philadelphia Phillies open a three-game series on the road Friday against the Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia is 5-1 following an 8-2 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday. Philadelphia won two of three over the Mets in their three-game series. Philadelphia's JT Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins and Alex Bohm each homered in the victory on Wednesday. The Phillies are first in the National League East 2 ½ game ahead of both Washington and the New York Mets.

Rhys Hoskins is batting .417 to lead Philadelphia and the first baseman has a team-high 10 hits. Didi Gregorius is tied with four other teammates for the lead in home runs with one apiece, while JT Realmuto is the leader in RBIs with six and Bryce Harper has a team-high on-base percentage of .462. On Friday, Philadelphia will send Zack Wheeler to the mound. The right-hander is 1-0 with an ERA of 0.00, 10 Ks and 0 BBs.

Atlanta is 2-4 following a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday for a sweep of a doubleheader after winning the opener 7-6. Atlanta has won each of its last two after opening the season with four consecutive losses. The Braves are fourth in the National League East three games behind first-place Philadelphia. Pablo Sandoval hit a pinch-hit two-run home run for Atlanta in Game 2 for his second pinch-hit home run in the last week.

Ronald Acuna Jr is batting .304 to lead Atlanta and the right fielder has team highs in hits with seven and on-base percentage at .360. Pablo Sandoval is leading Atlanta in home runs with two and RBIs with four. Atlanta has hit seven home runs over its first six games played. On Friday, Atlanta will send Charlie Morton to the mound. The right-hander is 0-1 with an ERA of 5.40, 5 Ks and 2 BBs.