Lineup, how to watch Atlanta's series finale against the New York Mets

The first two games between the Braves and the Mets has gone about as well as Atlanta could have hoped, and has definitely lived up to the hype.

Atlanta's come back from deficits in both games, gotten incredibly clutch performances out of the bullpen, and have a commanding 2-0 series lead heading into tonight's series finale, in position to sweep New York and further build their division lead.

But securing that sweep is easier said than done - New York's sending 3-time Cy Young winner (and 2011 MVP) Justin Verlander to the mound, while Atlanta counters with this year's NL Cy Young betting favorite, Spencer Strider.

Lineup for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, June 8th

Here's how the Braves will line up for the contest:

Series finale!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/YgQvphvqGi
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 8, 2023

It's once again the usual suspects for Atlanta (if it isn't broken, don't fix it) with Travis d'Arnaud getting a start behind the dish, batting cleanup, and Sean Murphy getting the day off.

Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets Pitching Matchup for Thursday, June 8th

As we mentioned, the Braves are sending ace Spencer Strider to the mound. 6-2 with a 2.97 ERA, Strider has a MLB-leading 113 strikeouts in his 69.2 innings pitched, good for a 14.6 K/9 (which also leads MLB) and a NL-best 5.7 hits per nine innings. Strider's already faced the Mets six times in his young career (four starts), with a 3-1 record and 5.03 ERA. They twice tagged him for four earned runs last season, on May 1st in five innings (Braves win) and on August 7th in 2.2 innings in a Braves loss. Pete Alonso (5 RBIs) and Brandon Nimmo (1 RBI) have both taken Strider deep, while Francisco Lindor is batting .455 and Nimmo is batting .417 against him.

Opposing Atlanta is Justin Verlander. 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA, the veteran has faced Atlanta three times in the regular season (all with Detroit). Matt Olson is batting .238 against Verlander with two homeruns and four RBIs, while no other member of the Braves has more than one hit and only one, Eddie Rosario (1-20), has more than seven plate appearances.

How to Watch Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets on Thursday, June 8th

First pitch at 7:20 PM ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports South and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com. And, as always, we'll have all your coverage right here on Braves Today.

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