Lineup, how to watch the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday evening

Last night's "World Series preview" lived up to the billing, with Atlanta winning a close 2-1 game thanks to the firepower of Sean Murphy and some clutch defense, also from Sean Murphy.

Isn't he the best?

Atlanta's back at it on Saturday, hoping to clinch their eleventh straight series win of the season. First pitch from Tropicana Field is set for 7:15 PM ET.

Lineup for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, July 8th

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

Let's get it 👨🏻#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/j3lgJoEkK4
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 8, 2023

Facing three straight right-handed starters in the series, the lineup's probably not going to change, with the exception of which catcher's behind the plate - today it's still Sean Murphy, who excelled last night for Atlanta with the game-winning home run and two caught stealings.

Pitching Matchup for the Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday July 8th

The Braves are sending Spencer Strider to the mound. The righthander has been Atlanta's most dominant starter, with a 10-2 record and 3.66 ERA in his 17 starts. He's struck out a MLB-leading 155 batters at a MLB-leading 14.2 K/9 pace, with 33 walks. Strider has never faced the Tampa Bay Rays, and no batter in the lineup has an at-bat against him.

Opposing Atlanta is one of the top rookie pitchers in baseball, Taj Bradley. The 22 year-old righty is 5-4 with a 5.27 ERA in his 12 starts on the year, with 76 strikeouts in 56.1 innings. He's had moments of brilliance but has also struggled at times, with his two most recent starts (on the road at Arizona and Seattle) seeing a combined 17 hits and 12 runs in 7.1 innings, with only five strikeouts and a surprising five homeruns allowed.

How to Watch the Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, July 8th

Tonight's game two is scheduled for a 7:15 PM ET first pitch. Because MLB likes to make consuming their product as difficult as possible, this game is on a different network from last night, with Fox carrying the broadcast (and Sunday's game three is on yet another network, returning to Bally Sports). 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.

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