Atlanta will play the second game of its twin bill at New York on Saturday evening. The Braves got off to a slow start in the series on Thursday, losing in a 6-4 decision to the Mets. This story was published prior to Friday night’s game.
Atlanta looked like it would be stuck trying to compete for a National League Wild Card spot earlier this season, but the Braves went on a huge run to get back in contention in the NL East. They have been solid since the All-Star break as well, winning seven of their first 10 games back. Atlanta entered Friday’s game having lost consecutive games, though, falling to Philadelphia on Wednesday and New York on Thursday. The Braves have 5.5 games of cushion in the NL Wild Card race, but they are 4.5 games back of New York in the division heading into Friday’s game.
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— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 5, 2022
They have been a solid offensive team this season, ranked tenth in the majors in batting average (.249). Shortstop Dansby Swanson and third baseman Austin Riley are tied for the team-lead in hits with 121 base knocks. Riley has been one of the top power hitters in baseball this year, crushing 29 home runs. He will be facing a New York pitching staff that is No. 5 with an ERA of 3.56. Right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi is expected to make his Atlanta debut on Saturday night. He was acquired from the Astros on Monday after posting a 3.75 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 12 starts.