The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves wrap up their four-game series on Thursday afternoon at Truist Park, with first pitch at 12:15 PM ET. The Braves have taken two of the first three in Atlanta, including a 7-6 win on Wednesday, and look to close out the series with their ace on the mound.
Pitching Matchup: Griffin Canning vs. Chris Sale
San Diego sends right-hander Griffin Canning (1-8, 6.67 ERA) to the hill in what has been a nightmare season for the 30-year-old. Canning ranks in the bottom ten percent of MLB pitchers in average exit velocity, chase rate, and hard-hit rate. He faced the Braves on June 23 and was tagged for four earned runs before completing an inning. In three career appearances (two starts) against Atlanta, he's 0-1 with a staggering 12.91 ERA.
Atlanta counters with lefty Chris Sale (10-6, 2.06 ERA), who has been vintage Cy Young form this season. Sale spun seven scoreless innings against the Rangers in his last start, allowing just two hits while striking out six. He has thrown 10 consecutive scoreless innings and recently became the 27th major leaguer to reach 2,700 strikeouts. He's 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in six career starts against the Padres — and has never lost to them.
What to Watch
The Padres (50-52) are in the middle of a transition period with a new ownership group working through the sale process. On the field, they've been competitive but inconsistent. Their injury-ravaged bullpen faces a tough test against a potent Braves lineup that put up seven runs on Wednesday.
The Braves (59-42) sit atop the NL East and look every bit like a postseason contender. With Sale on the mound, they have arguably the best one-through-two punch in baseball alongside Spencer Strider. Atlanta's offense has been clicking, and the pitching matchup heavily favors the home side.
Prediction
This one comes down to the pitching matchup. Sale has been untouchable, Canning has been battered, and the Braves are at home. Expect Atlanta to jump on Canning early and let their ace cruise to another win.
Pick: Braves win comfortably, 6-2
Rebecca Hayes
Rebecca Hayes writes sports features, previews, and event coverage with a focus on the people, trends, and storylines that fans care about.