TheAtlanta Braves are currentlyclosing out a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, but attention remains on the weekend set. The Philadelphia Phillies remain in reach of the National League East and are coming to Atlanta for a series that could define the rest of the year. Winning the series would give the Braves enough space to feel great about riding out the final weeks of the year and maintaining control of the division.
With this in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that Chris Sale is yet again set to open the series in an attempt to set the tone. Sale pitched the series opener in Philadelphia and offered 6.0 innings, giving up two earned runs while striking out seven. The veteran southpaw would easily admit that this wasn't his best outing, leaving hope that perhaps another great outing is on the way.
Atlanta's bullpen has been put under a bit more stress in recent days, and Sale having a signature start would be welcomed. No question, it is a fitting alignment for an incredibly important series. One that will unquestionably have Philadelphia's full attention as the franchise looks to continue its surge in the second half of the season and take back control of the division.
Braves Counting on Chris Sale to Set the Tone for Pivotal Series Against Hated Division Rival
Sale being put in the position to define the incredibly important series is ideal as the left-hander is your best chance to keep the Philadelphia offense shutdown. This is especially the case after Sale is coming off what wasn't his best outing of the season and is going to be locked in to improve upon last week's performance. Sale is the ultimate gamer, and that is going to show up on Friday night.
It will be interesting to watch how Atlanta's roster responds to having this series flipped into Atlanta. Splitting with the Phillies on the road was considered a clear win, as the Braves went into an incredibly hostile environment and were able to elevate their level of play heading deeper into September.
No question, the franchise is under no shortage of pressure to win the series and prove that they are the superior roster and carry a level of confidence into the final two weeks of the season. Sale has a chance to set the tone for this and give the Braves a tone-setting performance, as the aging star so consistently has offered throughout an impressive tenure.
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