The Cincinnati Reds (41-35) will be going for the series win when they face the Atlanta Braves (48-27) in the final game of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.
Charlie Morton, 6-6, 3.71 ERA, will get the start for the Braves. The Reds will counter with Ben Lively, 4-4, 4.11 ERA.
Atlanta is 7-3 in its last 10 games against Cincinnati.
**This preview was written before Saturday’s game was played**
The Braves have played well over the past couple of weeks and they’ve won eight of their last 10 contests. They currently have the best record in the National League, with a three-game lead over Arizona, and will try to increase their lead with a win over the streaking Reds, which will give them their ninth win in their last 11 games.
Atlanta is averaging 5.52 runs per game. Their .270 batting average is second in the league. Their .339 on base percentage is third, while their .481 slugging percentage leads the league.
Ronald Acuna Jr. leads Atlanta with a .329 batting average, while Matt Olson leads the team with 23 home runs and 55 RBI.
Atlanta’s pitching has been good, with the team giving up 4.12 runs per game. Opponents have a .242 batting average against the Braves, which is 13th in the league. Their 3.79 ERA is seventh, wh ile their 1.28 WHIP is 14th.
In his last start, Morton gave up five hits and five runs in five innings, leading to a 14-6 win over Colorado. They will need a better effort from him if they want to get the win.
Sean Murphy (Hamstring) is questionable for this game.