Braves looking for revenge
All we can really do on opening day is look at how these teams did last year. The Braves finished the 2023 season #1 in the NL east and went 104-58 to cap off the season. This was one of the best teams in the league last year that completely fell apart in the playoffs when they had to face this same Phillies team in the NLDS. Losing that series in 4 games, we can assume these boys will be showing up on Friday with vengeance on their minds. They’ll be looking to back up their ace Spencer Strider who had an unbelievable season last year. Going 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA, while also dominating the Phillies throughout the past 2 seasons. He’s 8-0 with an ERA of 1.90 with 72 strikeouts against the Phillies and he’ll be looking to continue that dominance on Opening Day.
Don’t sleep on the phillies
In 2023 the Phillies went 90-72 finishing 2nd behind the Braves in the NL East. They got through the Marlins in the Wild Card series, went on to beat the Braves in the NLDS, and then ended up going 7 games and crumbling against the Diamondbacks in the NLCS. Statistically the Phillies offense wasn’t as strong as the Braves’, but when they needed to get the job done, they did. The pitching staff also held their own, finishing 12th in team ERA and 7th in team WHIP. They’ll have their ace Zach Wheeler on the mound for Opening Day. In 2023 he went 13-6 with a 3.61 ERA. Since Zach Wheeler’s been with the Phillies, at home he has 20-10 record, with an ERA of 2.72 in 52 appearances.
Prediction
This is an Opening Day game you will not want to miss. These two teams will be fighting all season for that #1 spot as they both should be just as good as they were last year. Yes, Spencer Strider does have some of the best numbers against the Phillies. But do I think Wheeler can go inning for inning with him? Absolutely. Not only is Wheeler just as good as Strider, but he loves to pitch in Philly. We also can’t forget about one of the best opening day player, Bryce Harper. Also hitting .316 off Strider with 2 HR in 19 plate appearances, don’t be surprised if Harper hits one out on Friday. With the Phillies being at home, and the pressure for Strider to continue this success against them, I think there’s a lot of value in the home underdog here.
Phillies ML