Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Prediction: Phillies expected to win again

Game 4 of the National League Division Series playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies takes place at Citizens Bank Park on Friday. Let's give this game a preview, a prediction, and a pick.

If the Philadelphia Phillies win here, they will go to the National League Championship Series twice in a row. In the playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies have improved to 4-1 with an average offensive of 5.6 runs scored per game. In addition to receiving praise for their victory on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching staff has given up two runs or fewer in four of their last five games. The Philadelphia Phillies are essentially playing at the perfect time, hitting all of their cylinders. With eight hits and two RBI, Trea Turner leads the Phillies. Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos have combined for twelve hits and eight RBI. When he receives the ball, Ranger Suarez is 4-6 this season with a 4.18 ERA and 119 strikeouts. In his playoff career, Suarez is 2-0 with a 0.98 ERA and 17 strikeouts.

In order to force a decisive game five on Saturday, the Atlanta Braves must win this game. In Wednesday's game 3 loss, the Atlanta Braves pitching staff was hammered for 10 runs, but the offense also wasn't very effective. Despite being by far the top offensive team in baseball this season, the Atlanta Braves have only scored two runs or fewer in two of the first three games of this series. When scoring four runs or fewer, the Atlanta Braves have dropped their last five games. With four hits and one RBI, Matt Olson and Austin Riley have combined for seven hits and two RBI to lead the Braves, followed by Ozzie Albies with four. When he gets the ball, Spencer Strider went 20-5 this season with a 3.86 ERA and 281 strikeouts. In his playoff career, Strider is 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA and 12 strikeouts.

Given that they were the greatest team all season and that Spencer Strider played a significant role in that accomplishment, the Atlanta Braves are being given the benefit of the doubt. I understand that Strider topped the league in victories (20) and strikeouts (281). However, this is Strider's second appearance in this series against a potent Philadelphia Phillies offense, and he has struggled in a limited postseason role. Last Saturday, Suarez faced the Braves and pitched 3.2 innings while keeping them scoreless. Although a victory by the Atlanta Braves wouldn't be shocking, the Philadelphia Phillies and the extra money offer better value. The squad is performing admirably, and confidence is growing. With the Phillies having a good probability of winning again, I want the more advantageous odds in this case.