Gather around, sports fans, as we get ready for some good ol’ Major League Baseball action between the Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks at none other than Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
Charlie Morton will be on the bump for the Braves, clocking a comparatively lower ERA of 4.08 and a better K/9 rate than his opponent, Slade Cecconi. Poor Slade has a steep uphill battle with a mountainous ERA of 6.31. We've got a David versus Goliath situation here, unless Goliath forgot to eat his Wheaties.
Judging by their season stats, Atlanta's batting duo, Jarred Kelenic and Austin Riley, both sporting a healthy .286 batting average and peddling a decent number of homers, are prime meat. But don't discount Arizona's Kevin Newman who has Connor McGregor-level confidence with a .410 batting average. Though, he might need to work on his celebratory dance round the bases, with zero home runs to his name.
Looking back at past encounters, the Braves have been swinging their tomahawks, with consistent wins against the Diamondbacks. But history is just that, history; a new chapter will be scripted at Chase Field today.
The Braves came marching in with a 50-39 record, leaving the Diamondbacks trailing slightly behind at 45-46. Recent results mirror season performance, with the Braves in top form, and the Diamondbacks occasionally losing their venom.
Given these elements, and without involving any numerology or pigeon sacrifices, an educated prediction would have the Braves chopping down the Diamondbacks. As for the margin, let them not be too ungracious.
Albert’s Prediction: Atlanta Braves by 2