Braves Hope to Recover Behind Strider in Series Finale vs. Athletics
The Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics will conclude their interleague series at Sutter Health Park tomorrow night. Spencer Strider will be sent to the mound as the Braves attempt to break a five-game losing streak and recover from Tuesday's 10-1 thrashing by the A's. The A's get a left-handed veteran advantage when Oakland counters with J.P. Sears. With an over/under set at 10.5 runs, oddsmakers have Atlanta as -165 favorites on the money line. Despite offensive setbacks, including batting average and run output declines, and an average of less than four runs per game. Strider's performance will be crucial to the Braves' season turnaround because they need to win consistently to remain in the running.
Strider must command his fastball and steer clear of the early walks and extended counts that have hampered his prior starts if the Braves want to defeat the Athletics tomorrow night. Given that Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna must step up and provide key at-bats, Atlanta's offense, which has had trouble producing steady run support, must take advantage of Sears' susceptibility to right-handed hitters. On defense, the Braves need to improve their infield play and refrain from making mistakes or poor baserunning that give the A's more opportunities. The Braves must, above all, play with enthusiasm, leap ahead early, and end their current losing skid by adopting a more aggressive, concentrated approach on the mound and at the plate.
Tyler Soderstrom, who has been hitting hot bats for the Athletics and has the ability to alter a game with a single swing, particularly against right-handed pitchers like Strider, should be a top priority for the Braves. If he gets on base, Zack Gelof, who also contributes speed and pop from the top of the order, might ignite Oakland's offense. Sears may not have outstanding numbers on the field, but he is a cunning lefty who can confuse lineups with his deception and superb off-speed command, especially if Atlanta's righties are being too aggressive. The A's opportunistic base running and small-ball strategies should also be a concern for the Braves; they've been resourceful and ready to create runs when necessary. Atlanta might be taken by surprise once more if they undervalue this youthful, dynamic A's team, particularly in light of Tuesday's crushing defeat.
In terms of elite skill and experience, the Braves have a distinct edge, particularly in the middle of the lineup and on the mound. Despite having a difficult season thus far, Strider is capable of ace-level work; his high-velocity fastball and strikeout capabilities give Atlanta a real weapon that the Athletics lack in their rotation. On offense, the Braves continue to have established powerhouses like Riley, Ozuna, and Olson, who have a history of playoff success and high productivity, something Oakland's youthful, developing team does not have. In addition, Atlanta's bullpen is deeper and its defensive metrics are generally better. A less polished A's squad currently in growth mode should be subject to the Braves' will if they play clean baseball and take advantage of their better talent.
