The stage is set for both teams in game one.
The Atlanta Braves, who’ve struggled on offense during their last series against the Washington Nationals and dropped the series, are looking to have a full turnaround in their matchup against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway. Spencer Strider will be taking the mound in hopes of topping his season-high strikeout rate (nine) from his last outing against the Miami Marlins across his sixth innings on May 21st.
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Notice anyone at the DH spot? That’s right, Manager Walt Weiss has placed Eli White in the spot, shifting from the outfield and making hitting his main focus of the night.
All of the Redsox hitters have less than four at-bats against Strider, but the only numbers marked for production were from Wilson Contreras, who recorded two RBIs with a .500 OPS. Their experience is pretty limited with a healthy Strider on the mound, but with his high number of walks (12) he’s recorded since his return this month, that could be their main opening if their offensive woes continue to last.
Against Boston’s Ranger Suarez, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley have seen their on-base production fare well above .900. They will need to keep that stature and get the remainder of the offense to produce behind Strider if they want to set the tone for the series.
First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. EDT.
