Only one game today, but it’s a goodie. Winner-take-all. One team’s season continues on to the next round to take on the Dodgers. The other begins their offseason far earlier than expected. We love do-or-die games here at Athletics Nation, and tonight’s matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and their division rivals the Atlanta Braves should be a great way to spend your Thursday evening.
Phillies at Braves (5:00 PM EDT)
The Braves have left-handed reliever Ray Ker (0-0, 1.97 ERA) opening the game for them tonight. He’ll likely be only asked to handle the first inning or two before making way for the bulk pitcher, right-hander Grant Holmes (10-6, 3.44 ERA). The former A’s prospect has blossomed with Atlanta over the past couple of years and now will be asked to soak up the middle innings of a must-win contest for his squad. No pressure.
Here’s how Atlanta stacks up:
Philadelphia meanwhile has a more standard approach to tonight’s starter. They’re sending out longtime Phillie Aaron Nola for the critical Game 3. The former Cy Young finalist is far past his heyday when he was constantly putting up ace-like numbers. While those days are long behind him he’s still capable of tossing a gem every now and then. The Phillies need vintage Nola tonight if they want to advance to take on the Dodgers.
And the Philles’ starting nine:
So who do you guys think wins tonight’s contest? I’m taking Philly!
