Atlanta swept the Phillies last week and it appears the Phillies are repaying the favor this week, now up 2-0 in their home series. The Braves’ usually overpowering bats have cooled off, but their pitching other than on Friday has been excellent. Atlanta is one of the best teams against left-handed pitching. Atlanta is usually very good off a loss. Off three straight losses, I expect a bounce back win from the Braves, getting Kyle Wright his 20th win of the season. Wright is a cool 6-0 in his last 7 games, with an ERA of 3.05. He has given up just 3 runs in his last 2 games after a debacle of a start against the A’s, his worst of the season.

Wright faces Brady Falter, who has been dynamite down the stretch, winning 5 games and with a 2.45 ERA over his last 7 starts. He stymied the Braves, allowing 1 run over 5 innings in his last start and the Phillies still lost. Falters’ starts are usually of the 5 inning variety and he has not been as strong at home this season.

The Phillies are just 9-9 in September and just over .500 vs right-handers. Their bullpen has been an issue of late with an ERA approaching seven, and may prove to be the difference on Saturday. Take the Braves to bounce back and win.