The Atlanta Braves (46-26, 34-38 RL, 41-29-2 O/U) meet with the Philadelphia Phillies (39-34, 30-42 RL, 28-37-8 O/U) in the second of a three-game divisional series on Wednesday evening. The Braves will give the starting nod to AJ Smith-Shawver. The Phillies will have Aaron Nola on the hill. The season series is even at 2-2.
AJ Smith-Shawver will be on the mound on Wednesday. Smith-Shaver was solid in his previous effort, allowing three runs on six hits in 5.2 innings against the Rockies and collected his first career big league victory. The rookie is enjoying an outstanding start to his big-league career, conceding only three earned runs in 13.1 innings pitched on the season. He posted a minuscule 1.09 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in the minor leagues.
Atlanta is capable of running away with the division early. They hold a 4.5-game lead ahead of the Marlins. The Braves offense is one of the hottest in the big leagues. They have scored at least six runs in six consecutive games entering Tuesday night after sweeping the Rockies before Monday's day off.
MONEY MIKE! ??
??: https://t.co/W6qzMwejkW pic .twitter.com/BI6wj3MMRR
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 18, 2023
Ronald Acuna Jr. has enjoyed success against Aaron Nola, posting a .349 average with nine RBIs and a stellar 1.18 OPS. The star outfielder now has 15 homers along with 45 RBIs and a .966 OPS. Acuna Jr. continues to dazzle, collecting 14 RBIs and a .977 OPS this month. Sean Murphy remains questionable.
The Braves continue to produce at the plate and are scoring an average of 5.49 runs, ranking them third. The pitching staff has a 3.77 team ERA, placing them fifth.