Battery Power - NLDS Game 2: Braves 3, Phillies 0Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2022-10-13T00:00:00-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/231640422022-10-13T00:00:00-04:002022-10-13T00:00:00-04:00Battery Power Podcast Episode 373: Braves even NLDS with Game 2 win behind Kyle Wright
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<img alt="Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BMS4mhOH-_2k6fqnK-QOSoe5qcc=/0x0:5401x3601/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71488322/1432993933.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="e7K3k4">Following <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/battery-power-podcast/2022/10/11/23399505/battery-power-podcast-episode-372-atlanta-braves-nlds-game-1-philadelphia-phillies-max-fried">a Game 1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday</a>, the Atlanta Braves faced urgency in Wednesday’s Game 2 matchup. Behind the arm of Kyle Wright and some timely hitting, the Braves evened the best-of-five NLDS matchup and, after the final out, the Battery Power Podcast convened to break it all down.</p>
<p id="07Tw0E">Brad Rowland and Scott Coleman discuss the following on Episode 373:</p>
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<li id="WTNnUl">The first five innings were very quiet, which was a good thing for a Braves team that was facing Zack Wheeler</li>
<li id="E4cNqC">Kyle Wright did a fantastic job across six shutout innings</li>
<li id="UQIyv5">The bottom of the sixth was very kind to Atlanta’s offense, though the rally started with Ronald Acuña Jr. being hit by a pitch in scary fashion</li>
<li id="jd4W0Z">Philadelphia’s defense finally broke, and Austin Riley had a swinging bunt that was heavily effective</li>
<li id="rrRkiH">Atlanta’s bullpen continues to be lights-out</li>
<li id="Khq4Ex">Touching on the latest news, including an unfortunate injury reality for Tyler Matzek</li>
<li id="gBuz0E">Looking ahead to Game 3 on Friday in Philadelphia after a day off for travel, including starting pitching mystery</li>
<li id="XeVu6c">Much, much more</li>
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<p id="BXbem4">Please check out the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battery-power-for-atlanta-braves-fans/id1082214582?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a> (where we strongly encourage you to leave a five-star review and rating), <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2kOP27obO7BdEyzXFooMXE">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/talking-chop-podcast">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/battery-power-for-atlanta-braves-fans">PlayerFM</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vVk1QNjQ3ODAzOTc4Mw">Google Podcasts</a>, or you can find us at our <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VMP6478039783">MegaPhone page</a> for all the latest.</p>
<div id="6QMr91"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP9338418002" width="100%"></iframe></div>
https://www.batterypower.com/battery-power-podcast/2022/10/13/23401884/battery-power-podcast-episode-373-atlanta-braves-nlds-phillies-kyle-wright-zack-wheelerScott ColemanBrad Rowland2022-10-12T22:40:00-04:002022-10-12T22:40:00-04:00Kyle Wright and the Braves bullpen shut down Phillies in NLDS-tying 3-0 victory
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<img alt="Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/erKo7XKJQbSx3-KmtEKhstWhYbM=/0x0:5454x3636/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71488124/1432993929.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Braves got a great start from Kyle Wright, the lineup came up big with the opportunity they had and then the bullpen carried it on home. You love to see it. </p> <p id="DM3ovW">Kyle Wright once again brought a steadying presence to Atlanta’s rotation. This time, he came up with one of his best starts of the year when the Braves needed it the most, as his six shutout innings set the tone for the bullpen and helped push Atlanta to a series-tying 3-0 victory over the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>. </p>
<p id="4b2PlR">The early portion of this game provided us fans a classic nervy Postseason pitcher’s duel. Those are usually intense affairs during the regular season but during the Postseason the drama factor increases about tenfold during these types of games. With a raucous stadium hanging on every pitch, both Kyle Wright and Zack Wheeler lived up to the occasion to start things off. The Phillies entered the hit column first with a double but Wright was able to strand him at third to keep the run column empty. </p>
<p id="L2lqSp">Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler didn’t have much of a problem making his way through Atlanta’s lineup. The star pitcher didn’t give up a hit (or any baserunners, at that) until the fourth inning, which is when Ronald Acuña Jr. got on with a single. Other than that, the Braves were unable to really crack the code that Wheeler had going for the early stages of this game. </p>
<p id="fVJ2ij">Things finally got going in the sixth inning, which is when the Braves were making it happen both in the field and at the plate. In Kyle Wright’s final inning of the night, Dansby Swanson helped cap off <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/kyle-wright-s-game-2-start?q=ContentTags%20==%20[%22pitching%22,%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20By%20Timestamp%20DESC&pt=Pitching%20Highlights">a big-time performance from Wright</a> by making a fantastic over-the-shoulder catch in left-center field (<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/j-t-realmuto-pops-out-to-shortstop-dansby-swanson-tz8qve?q=ContentTags%20%3D%20[%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20by%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=CMS_FIRST&p=0">!!!</a>) to slam the door on that inning. Cobb County was alive and rocking after that catch and the good vibes continued after that — but only after a really concerning bump in the road. </p>
<div id="W8PMfT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/j-t-realmuto-pops-out-to-shortstop-dansby-swanson-tz8qve" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Gu9jcD">That bump came when Ronald Acuña Jr. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/ronald-acuna-jr-hit-by-pitch-wtggbd?q=ContentTags%20%3D%20[%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20by%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=CMS_FIRST&p=0">got hit by a pitch on his right elbow</a> with two out in the bottom of the sixth. Acuña was doubled over and in pain for a few minutes and it surely looked like he was going to be exiting the game. Shockingly, Acuña was able to stay in the game (and was able to finish the game as well) and it’s a good thing that he did because the Braves were able to let him work on the base paths in this frame. </p>
<p id="z0IY33">Dansby Swanson worked his way onto first base by taking a walk on a full count, which set the stage for Matt Olson to make something happen with a runner in scoring position and two out. Fortunately, Olson was able to hit a grounder hard enough to go screaming off of Rhys Hoskins’ glove and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/matt-olson-s-rbi-single-vs-phi-b6?q=ContentTags%20%3D%20[%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20by%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=CMS_FIRST&p=0">into right field for a go-ahead RBI single.</a> </p>
<div id="1ZM0gN"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/matt-olson-s-rbi-single-vs-phi-b6" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="pVBRQg">The Braves then proceeded to keep the small ball game going over the next two at-bats. Austin Riley hit a soft dribbler to third base that Zack Wheeler was able to field. Unfortunately for the Phillies, he was unable to do anything but field it, so <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/austin-riley-singles-on-a-soft-ground-ball-to-pitcher-zack-wheeler-dansby?q=ContentTags%20%3D%20[%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20by%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=CMS_FIRST&p=0">the Braves went up 2-0 on the infield single</a>. That brought Travis d’Arnaud to the plate and he kept the line going when he hit one that rolled over the mound, past second base and into the outfield <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/zack-wheeler-in-play-run-s-to-travis-d-arnaud-ovkd0a?q=ContentTags%20%3D%20[%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20by%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=CMS_FIRST&p=0">to make it a three-run lead for the Braves</a> at that point. The sixth inning ended up being Zack Wheeler’s final inning as well and he left with his team behind by three runs. </p>
<div id="Hu1Yx3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/zack-wheeler-in-play-run-s-to-travis-d-arnaud-ovkd0a" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="2c3kIG">The game was then placed into the collective hands of Atlanta’s bullpen. A.J. Minter got the ball for the 7th and took care of Philadelphia in short order to get the team to the eighth. Minter was originally going to get another batter in the eighth, but when Phillies manager Rob Thomson subbed in Matt Vierling to replace Brandon Marsh, Brian Snitker countered by going ahead and bringing in Raisel Iglesias. </p>
<p id="rCTXLa">Iglesias got the job done with little-to-no issue in the eighth inning — he only gave up a single (that was limited to a single thanks to a heads-up defensive play from Eddie Rosario) and Austin Riley even snagged an out for him by making <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/raisel-iglesias-in-play-out-s-to-bryson-stott-9xjmqs?t=most-popular">what is very likely the best defensive play of his career so far.</a> Seriously, just watch it and tell me if you’ve seen him do better than that!</p>
<div id="fLrq89"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/raisel-iglesias-in-play-out-s-to-bryson-stott-9xjmqs" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="V3wVTj">With the Braves unable to push any more runs past the plate going into the ninth inning, that meant that Kenley Jansen was getting the ninth in a save situation. Kenley got the first two outs with no problems at all and the final out of the game was actually thrown into question after Travis d’Arnaud made what was seemingly the last out on a foul out from Bryce Harper. However, the umpires ruled that the ball touched the screen behind home plate, so it was ruled a foul ball. </p>
<p id="OpRI95">Fortunately, we were all spared the media discourse of having to discuss that play over and over again because Kenley Jansen struck out Bryce Harper to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/kenley-jansen-swinging-strike-to-bryce-harper-me1cmz?q=ContentTags%20==%20[%22pitching%22,%22gamepk-715742%22]%20Order%20By%20Timestamp%20DESC&pt=Pitching%20Highlights">get the save</a> and even up the series at one game apiece. </p>
<div id="vLv5Fc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/kenley-jansen-swinging-strike-to-bryce-harper-me1cmz" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="B1OHru">While going to Philadelphia in an even series with the next two games in hostile territory isn’t super ideal, it’s better than the alternative of absolutely having to win both road games just to stay alive. Instead, the Braves saw what the task was and got the job done. Kyle Wright was outstanding for six innings, the defense stepped up big time (with Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley in particular making incredible plays) and the bullpen once again reached that Postseason standard that we’re all growing accustomed to as Braves fans. All-in-all, this was a a very solid win for the Braves and now they’ve got two more wins to get in order to get one step closer to a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> repeat. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23401895/nlds-game-2-atlanta-braves-philadelphia-phillies-final-score-game-recap-kyle-wright-dansby-swansonDemetrius Bell2022-10-12T19:00:00-04:002022-10-12T19:00:00-04:00NLDS Game 2: Braves vs. Phillies game thread
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<img alt="Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EIb6v27hLdIZTjfQO2cDMpmrFjk=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71487631/1432651085.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="FjOr3G">The NLDS will continue Wednesday with the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> looking to get even after a 7-6 defeat in Game 1. Max Fried struggled out of the gate in Game 1 and Atlanta eventually fell behind 7-1. The rallied late with a three-run home run by Matt Olson in the ninth off of Zach Eflin in the ninth, but were unable to complete the comeback. </p>
<p id="wXsyKy">Kyle Wright will make the biggest start of his career for Atlanta in Game 2 while the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> will go with Zack Wheeler. </p>
<p id="pdU50j">Game 2 is scheduled to get underway at 4:35 p.m. ET Wednesday and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. We will <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/23164042">be live blogging all of the action</a> so be sure to check that out for pre and post game updates. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23400010/nlds-game-2-braves-vs-phillies-live-blog-and-game-discussionKris Willis2022-10-12T18:53:22-04:002022-10-12T18:53:22-04:00Braves, Phillies weather updates: Game expected to start at 7:30 pm (UPDATED)
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<img alt="2021 World Series Game 3: Houston Astros v. Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g5FvFbuCS5vnXNA60xkTYoX7M44=/8x0:4928x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71486244/1236233548.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The status for Game 2 is looking iffy at this time. </p> <p id="iHUD83">The tarp is on the field at Truist Park and rain has been falling. The forecast is calling for more showers throughout the evening which puts Game 2’s scheduled start time of 4:35 p.m. in jeopardy. It is a situation that the Braves, <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> and Major League Baseball are monitoring currently. </p>
<p id="OqDPxc">The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reports that MLB officials will meet at 4 p.m. to decide a course of action. A delayed start is definitely possible. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said during his pregame presser that the game won’t start until they think they can play the whole thing without a delay. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There is a 4 p.m. meeting with MLB officials and the two teams to update the weather. The guess here is they do not start on time, but we’ll see. Rob Thomson said the consensus is the game will not start unless they think they can play the whole thing without delays.</p>— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattGelb/status/1580264018379702272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="35DljY">Update - MLB announced that Game 2 will not start at 4:35 p.m. and a start time has yet to be determined. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today’s Braves vs. Phillies NLDS Game 2 will not start at 4:35 p.m. due to weather. The start time is TBD, and we will pass along the updated start time as soon as it’s determined.</p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1580267651669950464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="s3rZwb"><strong>4:20 p.m. Update</strong> - Ken Rosenthal on the weather situation for Game 2 and what the contingency plan might be. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's Phillies vs Braves postseason game is delayed and the start time is currently TBD.<a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ken_Rosenthal</a> has the latest on if the game will take place today, and breaks down what MLB is currently discussing for their plan to get the game in: <a href="https://t.co/70rL9WAelJ">pic.twitter.com/70rL9WAelJ</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1580288957371543552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="hEiFBx"><strong>4:40 pm Update</strong> - Ken Rosenthal reports that there is a tentative start time of 7:30 or 7:45 but MLB will meet again at 6 pm to discuss the situation. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Update on today's weather delay: <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ken_Rosenthal</a> reports that the tentative start time for today's Phillies-Braves NLDS game is between 7:30-7:45p ET. <a href="https://t.co/XmpPuicg4h">pic.twitter.com/XmpPuicg4h</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1580296945536749569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="ZVjTd0"><strong>6:08 p.m Update</strong> - Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First pitch for Game 2: 7:30 ET</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1580319180280434688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="xDsUvM"><strong>6:50 p.m. Update</strong> - The tarp is coming off the field and it appears there will be baseball tonight.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is a welcomed sight <a href="https://t.co/qWEAmuDmBP">pic.twitter.com/qWEAmuDmBP</a></p>— Kris Willis (@Kris_Willis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kris_Willis/status/1580330359254024192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23401146/2022-nlds-braves-vs-phillies-weather-mlb-officials-meet-weather-game-2Kris Willis2022-10-12T14:30:00-04:002022-10-12T14:30:00-04:00No panic for Braves despite Game 1 loss
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<img alt="Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7vMwu-jbSwGXrGvcP44fI8cadLY=/0x0:3025x2017/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71486189/1432627944.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Braves have been through too much to panic now. </p> <p id="OMPFZl">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> have been here before. After dropping Game 1 to the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> Tuesday, the Braves are back Wednesday and focused on getting a split at home before heading back out on the road. There is no panic, because they have been in big spots throughout the last four postseason runs including last season when they dropped Game 1 of the NLDS to the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a>. </p>
<p id="qHov4D">“We were at this point last year,” Austin Riley said of the team’s mindset heading into Game 2. “There’s no panic, it’s just a matter of coming in today and executing our game plan. When guys are in scoring position, having those key at-bats. That’s what it comes down to.</p>
<p id="LFi2y7">“There’s a sense of urgency, you definitely want to get this one today,” Riley added, “but at the same time, you can’t put that unwanted pressure on yourself. You’ve just got to go out there play baseball and let things come to you.”</p>
<p id="K0va46">The Braves won the next three games against the Brewers which set them on course for their first <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> Championship since 1995. The path won’t be easy with Zack Wheeler lined up for Wednesday and Aaron Nola scheduled for Game 3 Friday night in Philadelphia. As has been their mantra throughout the season, the Braves are focused on the game that is in front of them and aren’t worried about what took place yesterday. </p>
<p id="RWoALV">“We’ve been through this a lot. We started out the run last year in the same situation,” Brian Snitker said. “I think these guys have been very good about putting yesterday behind because the only thing we can control is the day. We talk a lot about that. You come out, you prepare to win the game today because yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is light years away. The only thing we focus on right now is today. This group has been resilient.”</p>
<p id="WScMAE">The Braves will go with Kyle Wright in Game 2 Wednesday in what is the biggest start of his career. Wright seemed to turn the corner when he was pressed into emergency duty during the World Series last season. He came to spring training looking to lock down a rotation spot and has emerged as one of Atlanta’s most consistent starters. </p>
<p id="mc0sOn">“Just more mature,” Snitker answered when asked about the difference in Wright. “I think I’ve said this a number of times, just the first day I saw him in spring training he was a different guy. I think the greatest thing we could have done last year was leave him in Triple-A. With the consistency of the work, he figured out who he is. We ask so much of these guys at a young age when we draft them and bring them up and they get here. I just think those added innings and the consistency helped him a lot. I think that obviously the game in the World Series did him a lot of good. He just came to camp with a lot more focus and drive and just more confidence.”</p>
<h3 id="uwG5NU"><strong>Lineup changes</strong></h3>
<p id="d9vTNd">The Braves will roll out a different lineup for Game 2 with right-hander Zack Wheeler on the mound. Matt Olson, who had two hits in Game 1, including a three-run home run in the ninth, moves up to the third spot in the order. Michael Harris moves back up to the sixth spot. Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario replace William Contreras and Robbie Grossman at DH and left field respectively. </p>
<p id="UQePU5">“It’s pretty good. When I go and I look at matchups and everything, I look and he’s hit everybody,” Snitker answered when asked if he was encouraged by Ozuna’s good September numbers. “I mean, and his experience and all that. I was trying to give him enough to try to get him going, just because I knew a guy like that can be a big help. So hopefully he does.</p>
<p id="YUd2HY">Ozuna hit .321/.368/.585 with five doubles and three home runs in 16 games and a 164 wRC+ during September and October. Contreras put up an equally impressive September, but doesn’t have much experience against Wheeler going 1-for-6 with three strikeouts in his career against the Phillies’ right-hander. Ozuna is 8-for-36 with two doubles and a home run to go along with eight strikeouts. </p>
<p id="DmUULJ">Olson finished the season strong and Snitker said that he wanted to break up the right-handed hitters at the top of the order with a righty on the mound.</p>
<p id="PyMAsr">“Matt is swinging the bat pretty good and just to kind of break the right-handed run up a little bit,” Snitker said. “You never know what’s going to work. You know what, you make this line up out and you look at the numbers and who matches up good and all that. You run them out there and hopefully it plays.”</p>
<h3 id="12rS7R"><strong>Spencer Strider update</strong></h3>
<p id="5GcEuo">Snitker said that Spencer Strider came out of his light bullpen session Tuesday feeling good. The only thing left for him is pitch in a game and they still aren’t ready to disclose how Strider will be used in this series. </p>
<p id="u4bBqR">“I think what we were looking for him was for him to throw, come in the next day, feel okay, and then get back out there, like he did yesterday,” Snitker said. “So I think he’s passed everything but pitching in a game right now. So we feel good about that. Now it’s just the determination of when and how we’re going to use him.”</p>
<p id="42SXex">The Braves still haven’t announced who will start Game 3 in Philadelphia on Friday. Strider and Charlie Morton would seem to be the options. An announcement could come after Game 2 Wednesday or during Thursday’s off day. </p>
<h3 id="LynFqJ"><strong>Tyler Matzek undergoing Tommy John surgery</strong></h3>
<p id="y9pCzZ">Snitker announced prior to Game 1 that Tyler Matzek was in Texas having his elbow evaluated. He announced Wednesday that Matzek would undergo Tommy John surgery sometime today which will in effect take him out for the remainder of the postseason and all of the 2023 season. </p>
<p id="JJcv6Q">“Actually he’s going into surgery today, he’s going to have the Tommy John, I think, probably as we speak right now,” Snitker said. “They evaluated him yesterday and usually when they do that, if they deem that’s what the action is, they’ll just keep him right there and do it. I think he’s probably going through it right now.”</p>
<p id="OLvWcN">“Hate it for him. He’s struggled with things all year. I don’t know, maybe this is the reason,” Snitker added. “I think him going ahead and getting it done and starting the process, I think he feels really good about that. I hate it for him that he can’t experience this again, but talking to him, when he left to go for the examination, he was in a good place, and I think he felt good about his future and going ahead and taking care of this.”</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23401010/2022-nlds-braves-vs-phillies-brian-snitker-pregame-comments-spencer-strider-tyler-matzekKris Willis2022-10-12T14:00:00-04:002022-10-12T14:00:00-04:00Eddie Rosario and Marcell Ozuna re-enter lineup for Braves in Game 2 vs. Phillies
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<img alt="MLB: Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_g9Vm78xvZBhjX7tb7s-_8hbt4M=/0x0:3911x2607/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71486025/usa_today_19079494.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can Eddie Rosario heat up in October once again?</p> <p id="RmS4Q8">The lineups for today’s game between the Braves and Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS are out. This is all pretty tentative since the weather forecast isn’t exactly looking great, but both teams are ready to go if the weather cooperates. </p>
<p id="JDVMYx">So let’s take a look at the lineups for what will be a crucial game in the fate of this series for both teams, starting with the Braves:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game 2.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Back2Battle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Back2Battle</a> <a href="https://t.co/6X4aIVnYjy">pic.twitter.com/6X4aIVnYjy</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1580220746319958017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="NNxdPC">Zack Wheeler is a right-hander, so the lineup has a bit of a different look for it. Marcell Ozuna is in at DH in place of William Contreras, Eddie Rosario is starting instead of Robbie Grossman, Austin Riley and Matt Olson have swapped spots, Travis d’Arnaud is batting fifth and Michael Harris II is up to sixth in the lineup. Other than the mixing and matching going on, it’s a lineup filled with the usual faces that you tend to see on any given day for the Braves. It’s a solid lineup and hopefully they’ll be up for the task. </p>
<p id="ewJIJQ">Meanwhile, here’s how the Phillies will be looking:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lining up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RingTheBell?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RingTheBell</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBONFOX</a> <br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsRadioWIP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsRadioWIP</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLtSZZr1LK">pic.twitter.com/TLtSZZr1LK</a></p>— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1580234506505981953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="erpdcN">From the first spot to the sixth spot in the lineup, the Phillies have the same exact lineup that did them very well yesterday. Once we get to the bottom part of the lineup, that’s where the big changes are for the Phillies. Jean Segura has moved down a spot, Brandon Marsh is in center and batting seventh in lieu of Matt Vierling and Bryson Stott is playing shortstop and replacing Edmundo Sosa today. </p>
<p id="916CiQ">As I mentioned in <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23400621/nlds-game-2-atlanta-braves-philadelphia-phillies-preview-time-tv-channel-radio-streaming-kyle-wright">the preview article</a> from earlier, the Phillies are hitting at a 102 wRC+ clip against right-handed pitchers so they haven’t usually been as potent as they are against lefties. Still, everybody in the top portion of this lineup is dangerous and should be taken seriously nonetheless. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23400841/nlds-game-2-atlanta-braves-philadelphia-phillies-preview-lineups-eddie-rosario-marcell-ozunaDemetrius Bell2022-10-12T13:01:09-04:002022-10-12T13:01:09-04:00Tyler Matzek undergoing Tommy John Surgery today
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/At1lIy7sq1cWF8KLwcUPb1m0LaE=/0x0:2500x1667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71485749/1413843793.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The 2021 postseason hero had a lousy 2022, and is now going under the knife.</p> <p id="QBMc31">2021 postseason Tyler Matzek had a real bummer of a 2022 season, and did not make the Braves’ NLDS roster. Earlier today, manager Brian Snitker announced that while the team was preparing to face off against the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS, Matzek was undergoing Tommy John Surgery.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Snitker says that Tyler Matzek is having Tommy John surgery today</p>— Kris Willis (@Kris_Willis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kris_Willis/status/1580240163757731842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="haRJrA">While there were no indications that this would be Matzek’s next step, he was clearly out of sorts for most of the year. His performance was horrid (-0.1 fWAR, and a 140 xFIP- that was way worse than his 114 FIP-), but more than that, his velocity was down two ticks from the prior season. </p>
<p id="cVuvx9">Earlier this season, Matzek missed about six weeks with shoulder inflammation. While the shoulder and the elbow are, of course, two different joints involved in throwing baseballs, it’s not clear whether the two are related. It’s also not clear whether either really explains his 2022 season, or whether the elbow issues are a relatively new thing that were not previously affecting his lousy 2022 performance.</p>
<p id="joFlKL">Matzek is controlled through the 2024 season and is arbitration-eligible next year. The Braves may non-tender him and re-sign him to a modest multi-year deal given his injury status. Stay tuned.</p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23400915/atlanta-braves-tyler-matzek-tommy-john-surgery-2022Ivan the Great2022-10-12T12:00:00-04:002022-10-12T12:00:00-04:00Braves look to avoid dreaded 2-0 NLDS deficit in Game 2 vs. Phillies
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<img alt="Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rMHhMrv38PntllbKJNC8tITXuf8=/1x0:3301x2200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71485464/1432634426.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s a crucial evening for the Braves. Kyle Wright will need to be on his A-Game in order to take down the Phillies.</p> <p id="QKBNeA">Following a bit of a shocking 7-6 loss in Game 1 of the NLDS, the Braves are looking to bounce back in order to avoid falling into the dreaded 2-0 hole in this five-game series against the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="sYWaI2"><div data-anthem-component="aside:11518957"></div></div></div>
<p id="slKnYk">While it’s not impossible to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/0-2-comebacks-in-mlb-division-series-c297255794">rally back to win a five-game series after being down by two games</a>, it’s definitely not a position that you want to be in at all. That’s why it is absolutely imperative that Kyle Wright is able to give the Braves a good start this evening, at the very least. Wright has been a pretty reliable source of pitching for Atlanta this season and while his FIP- of 91 may be much higher than his ERA- of 77, that’s still nothing to sneeze at. </p>
<p id="hj26JR">Kyle Wright has seen the Phillies three times this season and Atlanta went 2-1 in the three games that Wright pitched for the Braves against their divisional rivals from Pennsylvania. This included a stint where Wright went seven innings and only gave up three hits and one run in Philadelphia. Wright was also able to get into the sixth inning during his most recent start against the Phillies <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/kyle-wright-strikes-out-6-batters?q=kyle%20wright%20september%2024&cp=CMS_FIRST&qt=FREETEXT&p=0">back on September 24</a> and did so while giving up only two runs. </p>
<div id="RUdDPA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/kyle-wright-strikes-out-6-batters" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="0JWnM8">Wright has proven to be a tough customer in general and he’s managed to get the job done against the Phillies on multiple occasions this season. While Philadelphia’s lineup is still pretty tough to deal with on any given day, this is still a crew that favors facing lefties over righties. Philadelphia ended the season with a team wRC+ of 115 against left-handed pitching — only three points behind the Braves and good for sixth place in all of baseball. On the other hand, the Phillies as a team had a 102 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, which placed them in the middle of the pack and six points behind the Braves’ 108 wRC+ against righties. So hopefully Kyle Wright’s right-handed attack will be able to cool the Phillies down a little bit. </p>
<p id="WREfVp">Kyle Wright will likely need to be on his A-game since Zack Wheeler surely will be. Similarly to how the Phillies never really got the hang of taking on Wright, the Braves didn’t really crack open any games while Wheeler was on the mound. Philadelphia finished with a 2-1 record against Atlanta in Wheeler starts. Wheeler made it into the seventh inning in each of his three appearances against the Braves and never gave up more than three runs in any of those stints. That included a seven-inning start against the Braves back on August 3 that saw Wheeler strike out seven while only giving up one run. </p>
<p id="FXmx9h">With that being said, Travis d’Arnaud and Matt Olson may not be sweating too much to see Zack Wheeler this evening. Not only did d’Arnaud and Olson both go deep with home runs yesterday, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/braves-go-back-to-back-in-1st?q=d%27arnaud%20olson%20back%20to%20back&cp=CMS_FIRST&qt=FREETEXT&p=0">they went back-to-back</a> against Wheeler on June 28 in the one Wheeler start where the Braves beat the Phillies. </p>
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<p id="vNvtmr">Obviously we would all love to see both Olson and d’Arnaud keep that up in Game 2 this evening and we’d also enjoy seeing the team in general take advantage of more hitting situations. The Postseason setting is one where you absolutely can’t afford to leave scoring chances on the table and the Braves did that yesterday when they failed to capitalize on bases-loaded opportunities on multiple occasions. If they’re fortunate enough to find themselves in that situation, they must capitalize — the Phillies have already proven that they’re capable of doing it and they’re surely feeling confident after opening up their Postseason with three-straight wins. The Braves are going to have to meet the Phillies where they’re at right now when it comes to playing good baseball. </p>
<p id="sykjYN">It’s not a must-win game in a literal sense because the Braves won’t be eliminated, but this is about as close to it as it gets. You absolutely do not want to go to Philadelphia down 2-0, as the task would become monumental at that point. It’s already a tough task to begin with since they’re absolutely going to need a win in Philly now but it’ll be easier with a win today. They have a steadying presence on the mound in Kyle Wright. While Zack Wheeler is tough, the Braves have proven that they can break through and at least show a solid amount of life against this guy. If the Braves are going to repeat as <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> champions, they’ve already got a tough road ahead and it starts with a win tonight, hopefully. </p>
<h3 id="8JgG0L"><strong>NLDS Game 2</strong></h3>
<p id="VRsmfI"><strong>Game Date/Time:</strong> Wednesday, October 12, 4:35 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="qPAs7M"><strong>Location:</strong> Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia</p>
<p id="CxWX00"><strong>TV:</strong> FOX</p>
<p id="MGBVXu"><strong>Streaming:</strong> MLB.tv</p>
<p id="KdB8eZ"><strong>Radio:</strong> 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan</p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/12/23400621/nlds-game-2-atlanta-braves-philadelphia-phillies-preview-time-tv-channel-radio-streaming-kyle-wrightDemetrius Bell