Live Game Thread: Phillies Vs. Braves (Game 1)

Live Thread and Preview – Phillies at Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies will be at Turner Field tonight to face the Atlanta Braves in a four game series, and what will be the final regular season games of the 2013 season for the Braves.

I’m not going to spend a great deal of time with a typical preview. By this time in the season, we all know the particulars – we know that the Atlanta Braves have won the NL East, are trying now to regain and hold onto the best record in the National League in order to maintain home field advantage, and jumping through all the injury hurdles, lineup puzzles, and a host of other issues that make a successful postseason even tougher than it already is.

After last night’s embarrassing behavior (by both teams – and yes I know many disagree with me on that), I’m hoping for cooler, calmer heads on the part of the Braves, and more interest in playing hard than acting like 14 year olds. With the loss last night, not just of their heads but of the game, the Braves are now a half game behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the best record in the National League and the 1st Seed position in the post-season. They still have a 2 game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers for 2nd Seed.

David Hale will be making his 2nd start in the big leagues for the Atlanta Braves. After his last outing on September 13, where Hale went a restricted five shutout innings, but struck out 9 batters while walking only 1, I predicted he would see at least one more start before the season concluded. Hale was amazing in just five innings, and the Braves will hope for another solid outing from the young rookie. If he can pitch well for the win tonight, the Braves will put Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, and Julio Teheran on the bump for the final 3 games of the season, and we’ll get a solid look at what the #1 through #3 starters for the post-season will most likely be.

The Braves have a great chance of winning all four of their final games with those pitchers on the hill, but of course the bats STILL need to wake up for the Braves! The Phillies won’t have slouches on the mound either, so it’s vital that Atlanta experience one of those “hot moments” now.

Join us for our Live Thread tonight as the Braves begin their final series to conclude the regular season. Just scroll down and share your thoughts with us!