TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION MONDAY, OCTOBER 9TH
#918 ATLANTA with Fried (-158) over Philadelphia with Wheeler at 6:07 PM EST
After getting blanked 3-0 in game one of the NL Division Series, the Braves will storm back with one of their best performances of the season in this critical rematch. Atlanta has the better arm on the bump and that will prove to be the difference in this postseason battle.
Hitting the hill for the home team will be southpaw Max Fried. Facing the Nats, Phillies, and Cardinals in his last three starts, No. 54 was touched for only five earned runs and 13 hits in 17.0 innings of work. Max struck out 17 and walked five on his way to a 2-0 record with a reliable 2.65 ERA. Equally impressive, since the All-Star break, Fried has made nine starts and been scratched for 16 earned runs and 48 hits in 51.2 frames. That’s good enough for a 6-0 record with a strong 2.79 ERA.
Right-hander Zack Wheeler will grab the pearl for the visitors. Battling the Pirates, Mets, and Braves in his last three performances, No. 45 was slapped for five earned runs and 15 hits in 17.0 innings. Zack whiffed 16 and walked four on his way to a 2-0 tally with a 2.65 ERA. With 18 night starts in the books, Wheeler was tagged for 47 earned runs and 97 hits in 108.0 frames. That shakes down to a 5-5 mark with a 3.92 ERA.
There are a number of highly profitable trends that support this Braves wager. Atlanta has tasted victory in 55 of its last 88 against winning teams, 35 of its last 52 against division opponents, 73 of its last 109 playing under the lights, and 70 of its last 96 with Mad Max on the bump and priced as a favorite of -110 or higher.
The Braves got embarrassed in this series opener. With a day to work out the kinks, manager Brian Snitker will have his boys ready to go in this revenge setting. Take Atlanta with Fried. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
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