The Milwaukee Brewers (53-43) will be trying to pick up their second consecutive home series win when they face the Atlanta Braves (61-33) in the first game of their three-game series on Friday night.
Freddy Peralta, 6-7, 4.11 ERA, will get the start for the Brewers. The Braves will counter with Michael Soroka, 1-1, 5.40 ERA.
Atlanta is 6-4 in its last 10 games against Milwaukee.
**This preview was written before Thursday’s game was played**
The Braves had one of the best records in the league before the All-Star break, but they have struggled since the season resumed, and they’ve lost five of their last six games. They will try to turn things around with a win over the Brewers, which will increase their lead over the Phillies in the NL East standings.
Atlanta is averaging 5.64 runs per game. Their .269 batting average is second in the league. Their .338 on base percentage is also second, while their .491 slugging percentage leads the league.
Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with a .333 batting average, while Matt Olson leads the team with 30 home runs and 77 RBI.
Atlanta’s pitching has been good, with the team giving up 4.12 runs per game. Opponents have a .243 batting average against the Braves, which is 13th in the league. Their 3.78 ERA is fifth, while their 1.2 7 WHIP is 16th.
In his last start, Soroka gave up five hits and no runs in 4.2 innings, leading to an 8-1 win over Cleveland. They will need a similar effort from him if they want to win this game.