Eflin, Phillies look to take season series from Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies (77-72) have the chance to take the season series with a win against the Atlanta Braves (93-59) on Wednesday. After taking game one on Tuesday night, the Phillies will play behind Zach Eflin, who is hoping for a better result against the Braves than he had last week. The same holds true for Braves right-hander Julio Teheran, who has had a solid overall season but struggled against the Phillies last Thursday.

Last Wednesady, Eflin only lasted 3.2 innings against the Braves while running his pitch count all the way up to 95. All of the damage he allowed came on a three-run home run by Josh Donaldson. He’ll look to win his first game against Atlanta all season behind an offense that hit opposing pitcher Julio Teheran hard in last Thursday’s win over the Braves.

Here’s how the team will lineup on Wednesday:

Phillies Lineup

1. Cesar Hernandez (2B)
2. J.T. Realmuto (C)
3. Bryce Harper (RF)
4. Rhys Hoskins (1B)
5. Jean Segura (SS)
6. Scott Kingery (CF)
7. Adam Haseley (LF)
8. Maikel Franco (3B)
9. Zach Eflin (P)

Braves Lineup

1. Ronald Acuna Jr. (CF)
2. Ozzie Albeis (2B)
3. Freddie Freeman (1B)
4. Josh Donaldson (3B)
5. Nick Markakis (LF)
6. Matt Joyce (RF)
7. Brian McCann (C)
8. Dansby Swanson (SS)
9. Dallas Keuchel (P)

Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Matchup

• Zach Eflin (8-12, 4.20 ERA) vs. Julio Teheran (10-9, 3.50 ERA)
• Eflin has faced the Braves three times this season, and has struggled mightily in each game. He has totaled only 9.1 IP in these starts, allowing 20 runs (12 earned) and the Phillies have lost each game.
• In two starts against the Phillies this season, Teheran is 0-2 with an 8.00 ERA. In his most recent game, he allowed home runs to Cesar Hernandez, Adam Haseley, and Jean Segura en route to a 9-5 Phillies win.

Pregame Phillies Nuggets

• Last night, Jose Pirela became the 20th Phillie to hit a home run in 2019. This is the seventh time in team history that at least 20 different players have hit a home run.
• FanGraphs currently lists the Phillies playoff chances at 0.5% with 13 games to play.
• The Phillies need to finish 5-8 in order to post their first winning record since 2011.
• Atlanta’s magic number is down to three to win the NL East. Last year, they clinched the division on September 22 with the Phillies in Atlanta .

Ticket IQ Programming Information

• 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at SunTrust Park
• NBC Sports Philadelphia
• SportsRadio 94 WIP

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