Saturday, June 14, 2025
Mikey Balhan Sports

MLB Doubleheader Game Preview: Atlanta Braves (25-28) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (35-19)

Game Overview

The Philadelphia Phillies (35-19) will host the Atlanta Braves (25-28) in a day-night doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park, following a rainout postponement on Wednesday. The Phillies won Game 1 of the series (2-0) behind Ranger Suárez’s dominant six-inning shutout performance, while the Braves are looking to bounce back after losing five of their last six games.

Philadelphia has been one of the hottest teams in MLB, winning 10 of their last 11 games, while Atlanta has struggled, going 9-19 on the road this season.

Starting Pitchers

Game 1

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPStrikeouts
BravesAJ Smith-Shawver (RHP)3-23.671.4238
PhilliesCristopher Sánchez (LHP)4-13.171.2642

Game 2

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPStrikeouts
BravesChris Sale (LHP)2-33.361.2856
PhilliesZack Wheeler (RHP)6-12.420.8868

Smith-Shawver has been solid in his last eight starts, while Sánchez has been one of Philadelphia’s most reliable arms. In Game 2, Sale—the reigning NL Cy Young winner—will face Wheeler, who has been dominant at home.

Team Comparisons

CategoryBravesPhillies
Record25-2835-19
Runs Per Game4.34.8
Batting Average.246.259
Home Runs5562
ERA4.113.57
Bullpen ERA4.793.44

Philadelphia has been one of the best offensive teams in MLB, ranking fifth in batting average (.259), while Atlanta has relied more on power hitting, ranking 12th in home runs (55).

Key Players to Watch

Atlanta Braves

  • Ronald Acuña Jr. (OF) – 2 HR in his last three games, heating up at the plate.
  • Matt Olson (1B) – Leads the Braves with 12 home runs, slugging .462.
  • Marcell Ozuna (DH) – 11-for-35 in his last 10 games, with three home runs and seven RBIs.

Philadelphia Phillies

  • Kyle Schwarber (OF) – 18 HR, 40 RBI, leading the Phillies in power hitting.
  • Bryce Harper (1B) – Status uncertain after being hit by a pitch on his elbow in Game 1.
  • Trea Turner (SS) – .305 AVG, 9 doubles, 5 home runs, providing middle-of-the-order production.

Matchup Breakdown

  • Phillies’ Offense vs. Braves’ Pitching – Philadelphia ranks eighth in slugging percentage (.408), while Atlanta’s pitching staff has struggled.
  • Braves’ Power vs. Phillies’ Defense – Atlanta ranks eighth in NL on-base percentage (.318), but Philadelphia has been dominant at home.
  • Bullpen Battle – The Phillies’ bullpen has been strong (3.44 ERA), while the Braves’ relievers have struggled late in games.

Game 1 Odds

Atlanta Braves                  8

Philadelphia Phillies      – 142

Game 2 Odds

Atlanta Braves                  7.5

Philadelphia Phillies      – 112

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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