Tonight's Braves lineup and how it's hit Phillies starter Ranger Suarez
In tonight's game one of the National League Divisional Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves get what's felt like a rare treat in the 2023 season: To face a left-handed starting pitcher.
The Braves faced only 32 lefty starters in 2023, a figure significantly below the league average, and there's a reason: Atlanta crushes left-handed hitting.
On the 2023 season, the Braves hit .290/.354/.516 against left-handed starting pitching, with 60 home runs. The Atlanta lineup is 31% better against lefty starters than the average MLB team, so most opponents just configured their rotations to avoid throwing southpaws against Atlanta.
But not Philadelphia.
Lefty Ranger Suarez already has one outing against Atlanta this season, a June 20th no-decision where he went six innings with only one run allowed on four hits, walking two and striking out seven. (Coincidentally, Strider also started that game, going six innings with one run on eight hits, striking out nine with no walks.)
And he gets the ball tonight.
Lineup for the Atlanta Braves in Game One of the NLDS versus the Philadelphia Phillies
Here's how the Braves will line up for the contest:
As expected, Atlanta's going with their left-handed starter lineup, but in different order. Austin Riley moves up to the #2 spot, with Olson at 3 and Ozzie as the cleanup hitter. Kevin Pillar checks into left field in place of Eddie Rosario, batting 9th. Sean Murphy is the starter behind the plate, batting 8th.
Atlanta's lineup versus Phillies LHP Ranger Suarez
Here's how Atlanta's hitters have fared against Ranger Suarez in their careers:
| Player | Hits | Notables |
|---|---|---|
Ronald Acuña Jr | 3-13 | 1 2B, 1 RBI |
Austin Riley | 6-15 | 2 2B, HR, RBI, 3 BBs |
Matt Olson | 3-14 | 2 2B |
Ozzie Albies | 3-15 | HR (Grand Slam), 6 RBIs |
Marcell Ozuna | 3-13 | -- |
Michael Harris II | 1-11 | -- |
Orlando Arcia | 1-4 | 2B |
Sean Murphy | No PAs | -- |
Kevin Pillar | 2-6 | 2B, HR, RBI |
How to Watch the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in Game One of the NLDS
Game one is scheduled for a 6:07 PM ET first pitch. The television broadcast is available on TBS and for streaming on the B/R Sports Add-On tier on Max. The radio broadcast is available in the Atlanta metro area on 680 The Fan and across the Southeast on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
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