For a third straight season, the Houston Astros (9-10) and Atlanta Braves (14-5) will put each other to the test. This series may not hold a candle to the 2021 World Series, which the Braves won in six games, but it's an early test for two contenders. Last year in Atlanta, the Braves took two of three from Houston in a regular season series. This 2023 weekend battle sees both sides enter fresh off a series win. Atlanta's Truist Park is hosting again this year, with the first pitch slated for 7:20 p.m. EST on Friday.
Jorge Soler annihilates a 3-run homer to give the Braves a 3-0 lead in Game 6 of the World Series! ??
Over the train tracks! ???? pic.twitter.com/jU2MfQkDMy
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 3, 2021
The Astros are putting up 5.1 runs per game, a top-10 mark as of Thursday. yet, they don't string together consistently strong performances. Over their past seven games, they alternated putting up at least seven runs (four wins) or getting held to two or fewer (three losses). They're middle-of-the-pack in OBP, ranking 13th, and only 20th in slugging percentage which is far worse than their fifth-place finish last season. Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez have been consistent mashers, but as a unit, the team is operating like Icy Hot.
Fortunately, their last game against Toronto was one of their hot days. Houston had a six-run eighth inning, capped by a Jeremy Pena home run. Luis Garcia pitched seven shutout innings, and the bullpen only allowed one run. It's the formula that led to Houston's 2022 title. Strong starting pitching, a dangerous offense, and a bullpen that gets the outs that they need to.
Can't stop, won't stop. pic.twitter.com/oI07IQTUmj
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 20, 2023
Relievers coming out of Houston's pen have elite strikeout abilities, with a 10.61 K/9 that ranks fifth among bullpens. It's balanced by a 1.24 HR/9 that's 24th. Collectively, they have a 3.58 ERA and a 3.99 FIP.
Hunter Brown will make his fourth start of the season when he takes the mound on Friday. Brown only has 10 appearances and 39.0 major league innings to his name so far. He had issues with walking batters, owning a career 3.0 BB/9, but he's great at avoiding hits and has yet to allow a long ball. His career ERA is 1.38 with a WHIP of 1.051.