We have a winner-take-all Game 3 between a pair of division rivals when the Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The stadium has been half-empty for the first two games, but expect a full house for the finale. The first two games have been high on drama, as the Braves got a late homer from Austin Riley to win Game 1, while the Phillies got late bombs by Schwarber and Harper to send Game 2 to extras, where Alec Bohm hit the game-winner. Neither team can feel great about their late-inning bullpen options right now. As we head to a decisive Game 3, I am leaning toward the Phillies on the money line.
The pitching matchup will be Grant Holmes vs. Aaron Nola to begin the game. Both guys have seen the opponent twice in recent weeks, and if that gives any advantage to the hitters, expect short leashes for the pitchers. I have more confidence in Nola, a guy who has been on this stage several times and who has been terrific down the stretch. The Phillies cannot trust the bullpen, and maybe not even their closer, and it is perfectly possible that we see Zack Wheeler cover some of the late innings on short-ish rest. I think that ace-in-the-hole could make a difference. Give me the veteran Nola and a potential Wheeler in this one, while Harper and Schwarber just add to the hate in Atlanta.
Phillies vs Braves Game 3 prediction: Phillies ML (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to -125.
