The Philadelphia Phillies (73-52) will try to even the series against the Atlanta Braves (67-58) on Wednesday night after dropping a dismal opener on Tuesday. Instead of putting their foot on the gas and making a statement against an ailing Braves team, the Phillies dropped a massive dud.
The lackluster 3-1 loss was a waste of a quality outing by starter Zack Wheeler. The Phillies ace allowed just two runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out eight and didn't issue any free passes. Normally, that would be a recipe for a Phillies win, but not against Braves starter Reynaldo López.
Phillies batters struck out 13 times (10 against López) and mustered just five hits. Perhaps they could have used Whit Merrifield's bat. The former Phillie got his revenge, registering his first multi-extra base hit game of the season, finishing the night 2-for-3 with a triple, double, walk and a run scored.
With the disappointing loss, the Phillies' lead in the NL East is down to 6.0 games heading into Wednesday's contest — a game they desperately need to win.
Phillies vs. Braves probable pitchers, August 21
- Aaron Nola (11-6) will take the bump for the Phillies tonight. The veteran righty has a 3.45 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 25 starts. He's 0-2 in three August starts but went 6 2/3 shutout innings against the Nationals in his last outing. Nola has faced the Braves twice this season, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 16 hits, including four home runs, with 11 strikeouts and just one walk over 10 1/3 innings.
- Max Fried (7-7) will counter for the Braves today. The 30-year-old lefty has a 3.62 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 21 starts. He has had a rough August so far, posting a 7.90 ERA in three starts. Fried hasn't fared well against the Phillies in two games this season — he has allowed eight runs on 13 hits and four walks while striking out five over 6 2/3 innings.
Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, August 21
- 1. DH Kyle Schwarber
- 2. SS Trea Turner
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. 3B Alec Bohm
- 5. RF Nick Castellanos
- 6. C J.T. Realmuto
- 7. LF Weston Wilson
- 8. 2B Edmundo Sosa
- 9. CF Johan Rojas
Atlanta Braves starting lineup, August 21
- 1. CF Michael Harris II
- 2. 2B Whit Merrifield
- 3. DH Marcell Ozuna
- 4. 1B Matt Olson
- 5. C Sean Murphy
- 6. LF Jarred Kelenic
- 7. SS Orlando Arcia
- 8. RF Ramón Laureano
- 9. 3B Gio Urshela
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?
- Game time: 7:20 p.m. ET.
- NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
- The Braves broadcast will be on Bally Sports South.
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Braves fans can tune into the game on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM.