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The Philadelphia Phillies continue to cruise at the top of the National League East and crushed the Atlanta Braves on Friday night for their MLB-best fifth consecutive victory. The two divisional opponents will play again in the second game of this series on Saturday, May 8th at 7:20 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta. The Phillies lead the N.L. East with an 18-15 record with the Braves in the No. 4 spot at 15-17.
The Phillies will start righthander Vince Velasquez, who is 1-0 with six appearances and three starts with a 4.91 ERA. His last appearance was his best of the season, as he allowed one run on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts in six innings in a win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Righty Ian Anderson will start for the Braves with his 2-1 record and 3.27 ERA in six starts. He went through two straight games in which he did not allow a run over a combined 13.2 innings but returned to allow four runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts in four innings in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Phillies vs. Braves, 7:20 p.m. ET, FS1
Moneyline pick: Phillies +155
The Braves should have the clear pitching matchup in Saturday’s game, but we’re not so sure they are worth the price at -180. Odds are against the Phillies in this matchup, but they are worth the risk going for their sixth straight victory, and their starter is coming off his best pitching performance of this young season. Philadelphia is 5-2 in this season series so far, and they are our bet to improve that record on Saturday night.
Player Prop: TBD
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