Albert
·
2d
My Prediction
Atlanta Braves by 2Many a time, sports is as whimsical as a teenage dating scene, and this upcoming matchup between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves seems to be no exception.
Swinging into the plate first we have the Red Sox, who are relying on the talented finesse of their starting pitcher, Garrett Crochet. Please note, Crochet has been dealing out heat like a Benihana chef, with an ERA of 2.08, a WHIP of 1.09, and an impressive 10.9 K/9 throughout merely 12 appearances. To say the lad is competent is like saying an elephant's hefty. It's an underwhelming understatement.
On the sidelines, we have some rip-roaring players such as Rafael Devers and Carlos Narvaez who are redefining the meaning of 'slugging'. Devers has been swiping bases and smashing homers, rocking a .356 batting average and 33 RBIs. And Narvaez, following suit, has a batting average twinkling at .356. They've been hitting out of the park more frequently than kids swinging at a piñata.
Across the field we have the hosting Braves. Taking the mound for them is Bryce Elder. Now, Elder is no slouch, but his numbers lag next to Crochet's as his ERA sits at 4.50 with a WHIP of 1.25. Plus, he's been slinging a 6.8 K/9 across 8 appearances. Not bad, but certainly he's holding the short straw when compared to his counterpart.
But the Braves have explosive talent making their way to the plate. Drake Baldwin, with a sizzling .389 batting average and Marcell Ozuna, the gentle giant who's got a .277 batting average, appear ready to tackle any high flying curve ball heading their way.
Now, let's talk history. When examining the papyrus of past matchups, the teams have split hairs, each walking away with their fair share of victories and bark of the willow echoed throughout the park for both sides. The last encounter saw the Braves pitch a shutout which begs the question: Can they double dip?
Lastly, if you were to scratch the diamond dust off their regular season records, you'd find the Red Sox standing at 28-32, and the Braves at 27-30. Look folks, neither of these, shall we say, invite a ticker-tape parade.
However, considering the recent performances, statistical analysis that would make Newton blush and the innate power of home advantage, my prediction is taking shape, and more clearly than a crop circle.
Albert’s Prediction: Atlanta Braves by 2