Written By Allen Sharp October 7th, 2023
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves will renew their rivalry in the National League Division Series, starting with Game 1 tonight at Truist Park. After absolutely destroying the Miami Marlins in the Wild Card round of the 2023 playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies are back in the NLDS against their rival Atlanta Braves for the second consecutive year, where the Phillies prevailed 3 games to 1. The Braves won the NL East title for a sixth consecutive year with a 104-58 record.
The Phillies are confident that they can repeat their impressive performance from last year, when they reached the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Phillies defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card Series, the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series, and the San Diego Padres in the NL Championship Series, before losing to the Houston Astros in six games in the Fall Classic.
The pitching matchup for Game 1 features two left-handers who have had success against their opponents this season. Ranger Suárez will take the mound for the Phillies, looking to repeat his performance from last year’s NLDS opener, when he held the Braves to one run over 3 1/3 innings despite walking five batters. Suárez has been inconsistent this year, posting a 4.32 ERA in 25 starts, but he has a 2.70 ERA in three outings against the Braves.
Spencer Strider will start for the Braves, hoping to erase the memory of his last postseason appearance against the Phillies, when he gave up five runs in 2 1/3 innings in Game 3 of the 2022 NLDS. Strider has been dominant this year, leading the NL with 20 wins and ranking first in the MLB with 281 strikeouts. He has also been unbeatable against the Phillies, going 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA in four starts.
The Phillies had a formidable offense in 2023, thanks to the stellar performances of their outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, as well as their third baseman Alec Bohm. Schwarber, who signed a four-year contract with the Phillies in 2022, was a power-hitting machine, launching an impressive 47 home runs and driving in 104 runs over 160 games. Despite a lower batting average of .197, Schwarber showcased remarkable strength and was a significant offensive contributor for the Phillies. Castellanos, another key player, demonstrated consistency and versatility by amassing 170 hits, including 29 home runs and 106 runs batted in, over 157 games. His solid batting average of .272 and slugging percentage of .476 highlighted his offensive prowess and earned him his second All-Star selection. Bohm, also crucial to the team, displayed reliability and productivity at the plate, collecting 153 hits, 20 home runs, and an impressive 97 runs batted in across 145 games. He showcased his ability to be a consistent run-producer and a clutch hitter for the Phillies. These three players were instrumental in leading the Phillies to the postseason and making them one of the most feared offenses in the league.
The Braves had a remarkable 2023 season, thanks to the standout performances of three key players who formed the core of their lineup. First, Matt Olson, the team’s slugging first baseman, had a phenomenal season that earned him his third All-Star selection. He showcased his power by leading the National League with 54 home runs and 139 RBIs in 162 games. His batting average of .283, combined with a slugging percentage of .604 and an OPS of .993, underlined his offensive dominance and made him a top contender for the MVP award. Next, Ronald Acuña Jr., the dynamic right fielder, displayed all-around excellence that dazzled the baseball world. He led the team with a stellar batting average of .337, while also contributing 41 home runs, 149 runs, and an impressive 73 stolen bases. He became the first player in MLB history to join the 40-70 club, and also won his second Gold Glove Award and his third All-Star selection. Finally, Ozzie Albies, the talented second baseman, exhibited a balanced performance that helped the Braves in every aspect of the game. He hit 33 home runs, scored 96 runs, and drove in 109 RBIs, along with an OPS of .849. His consistent hitting and defensive prowess were vital to the Braves’ success throughout the season. He also won his second All-Star selection and joined Rogers Hornsby as the only second basemen in MLB history to have multiple seasons with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. These players were instrumental in leading the Braves to a successful 2023 campaign, making significant contributions to the team’s offensive firepower and defensive stability. They helped the Braves clinch their fourth consecutive NL East title with a major league best 104-58 record, and advance to the NLDS against their division rivals, the Phillies.
The NLDS between the Phillies and the Braves promises to be a thrilling series, featuring two of the best offenses in baseball and two of the most intense rivals in the NL East. Both teams have star players who can change the game with one swing of the bat, one pitch, or one stolen base. Both teams also have a history of postseason success, having won multiple World Series titles in the past. The Phillies are looking to return to the Fall Classic and avenge their loss to the Astros last year, while the Braves are looking to get back and win the Series for the second time in three years. The series promises to be a dogfight between two familiar foes who know each other well. Game 1 will be at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, airing on TBS.