There are two teams in MLB who have yet to lose a series – tonight, they will begin a three-game series to determine which one of them will hold that distinction come Monday.
The Braves are 8-5, sixth in baseball at 112 wRC+, 29th in baseball at -1.6 Baserunning Runs, third in baseball at defense at 3.8, fourth in baseball in starting pitcher ERA at 2.79 and 23rd in FIP at 4.02, first in bullpen ERA at 0.82 and second in FIP at 2.10.
The Guardians are 8-5, 11th in baseball at 103 wRC+, 23rd in baseball at -1.1
Baserunning Runs, 12th in baseball at Defense at -0.6, second in baseball in starting pitcher ERA at 2.67 and 15th in FIP at 3.70, and 16th in bullpen ERA at 3.78 and 15th in FIP at 4.28.
Matchups:
Game One: Friday, 7:15PM ET: Slade Cecconi, RHP vs. Bryce Elder, RHP
Game Two: Saturday, 7:15PM ET: Parker Messick, LHP vs. Martin Perez, LHP
Game Three: Sunday, 7:10PM ET: Tanner Bibee, RHP vs. Chris Sale, LHP
On paper, it seems crucial for the Guardians to find a way to win Saturday’s game, but, hey, let’s try to take this series. Atlanta’s pitching has been amazing so far, and the team will likely need to find a way to scratch some runs across agains the starters to have their best shot at winning. Of course, this no doubt means every game will be a donnybrook ending 8-7.
This will be a big series for Juan Brito, Angel Martinez and Rhys Hoskins to continue their recent surges, and for David Fry to find his way.
