The most exciting and intriguing series of the MLB postseason so far is lagging behind the other after a day off on Tuesday. Now, we’ll finally get Game 3 of the NLDS between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, the first game at Citizen Bank Park in Philly.
The Phillies nearly took both games down in Atlanta, but blew a late lead in the best game of the postseason on Monday. Still, they got the job done by stealing Game 1 and the series is even at a game apiece. For Game 3 the Phillies will send Aaron Nola to the mound, but the Braves are undecided on their starter.
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Now, let’s dig into the odds for Game 3 of the NLDS.
Braves vs. Phillies odds, run line and total
Braves vs. Phillies prediction and pick
Aaron Nola had an up-and-down season on the mound, finishing with a 4.46 ERA across 32 starts with a record of 12-9. However, in his first start of the postseason he was excellent, going seven scoreless against the Marlins with just three hits, three strikeouts and one walk. The Braves are certainly not the Marlins, but that didn’t matter to Nola in the regular season.
This year Nola faced the Braves three times and he did about as well as anyone could possibly expect against the best lineup in baseball. Nola posted a 3.50 ERA in 18.0 innings of work with 20 strikeouts to just four walks.
The Braves lineup has actually only been better than the Marlins this postseason. So far, they have posted an OPS of .464 which is 11th out of the 12 postseason participants. That’s a credit to the pitching staff of the Phillies which has posted an ERA of 1.54 this postseason. The Phillies bullpen was fifth in baseball in FIP this year, so despite a blown lead late on Monday, that group can be trusted.
The Braves are uncertain about their situation on the mound and though they were clearly the best team in baseball this year, I think the Phillies will push them to the brink tonight and take a 2-1 series lead.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change