Jorge Mateo and Eli White start against the lefty, Sanchez

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 12: Jorge Mateo #2 of the Atlanta Braves scores during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Braves have a chance to lock in another series v

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What is the story about?

The Braves have a chance to lock in another series victory to start this 2026 season, and taking home a series W in Philly would be a really nice thing to bank. They’ll have two chances to secure the series win, but today we have a massive pitching matchup between the top two lefties in the National League in Chris Sale and Cristopher Sanchez.

The Braves don’t have amazing platoon options to start against lefties outside of their core group, but they’re doing what they can, starting Jorge Mateo, Eli

White, and Jonah Heim, moving the likes of Mike Yastrzemski, Dominic Smith, and Michael Harris to the bench against the tough lefty. This may be a low-scoring affair, but Atlanta could really use some more hot hitting from Austin Riley to continue from last night, as well as strong nights from Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies to bring some runs around from the right side of the plate against Sanchez.

Meanwhile Philly opts for more or less their normal lineup, shuffling a couple of their outfielders at the back of their lineup, adding Brandon Marsh and prospect Felix Reyes. Philadelphia’s top two hitters being lefty does help a bit, so hopefully Sale can silence Harper and Schwarber.