Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Prediction: Braves to begin with a win here

Following a one-day delay due to inclement weather, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies commence their 2024 Major League Baseball season on Friday night. Now, let's analyze this game from a betting perspective and explore potential options.

During the previous year, the Philadelphia Phillies maintained a team on-base percentage of .327 along with a batting average of .256. They recorded 1,481 strikeouts (8th in MLB) and amassed 1,417 base hits. With a total of 220 home runs and 771 runs batted in, the Phillies achieved a slugging percentage (SLG%) of .438, averaging 4.91 runs per game (8th in baseball). They also hit 291 doubles and drew 539 walks, scoring a total of 796 runs. In terms of pitching, the Phillies had a WHIP of 1.239 and a fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 4.00 as a unit in the previous year. Taking the mound in this opener for the Philadelphia Phillies is Zack Wheeler, who posted a record of 13-6 with a 3.61 ERA and 212 strikeouts last season. Wheeler holds a career record of 12-7 against the Atlanta Braves, boasting a 3.18 ERA with 173 strikeouts.

In the previous season, the Atlanta Braves showcased a robust slugging rate of .501 and were struck out 1,289 times, while drawing 538 walks. They amassed a total of 916 runs batted in along with 1,543 base hits, achieving a batting average of .276. The team tallied 293 doubles and launched 307 home runs. Notably, they scored 947 runs with a team on-base percentage (OBP) of .344, averaging 5.9 runs per game, securing the top spot in the MLB. On the pitching front, the Atlanta Braves posted a team ERA of 4.14, ranking 15th in the MLB, with their staff recording 1,516 strikeouts. They allowed 187 home runs and 716 runs, positioning 13th in the MLB. Taking the mound in this opener for the Atlanta Braves is Spencer Strider, who boasted an impressive 20-5 record with a 3.86 ERA and 281 strikeouts last season. Strider holds a flawless 8-0 record against the Philadelphia Phillies in his career, maintaining a remarkable 1.90 ERA with 72 strikeouts.

I'm of the opinion that the Philadelphia Phillies possess the talent to contend for the National League East title. Therefore, considering them as a home underdog holds appeal, particularly with Wheeler slated to pitch. However, it's worth noting that Strider has consistently dominated the Philadelphia Phillies throughout his career. In eight starts, Strider boasts an impeccable 8-0 record against the Phillies, limiting current batters to a .195 batting average and tallying 77 strikeouts in 195 at-bats. Such dominance cannot be overlooked. Consequently, in this season opener, I'm inclined to side with history and opt for the Atlanta Braves, despite the relatively low price, given their performance on the road.