Game Preview: Strider toes the bump as the Braves look to get closer to NL East title

Last night was the epitome of Braves/Cardinals games of the past. The Braves dropped the game 10-6, despite having a .389 expected batting average compared to the Cardinals .240 xBA. Hopefully the baseball gods smile a little more on the Braves tonight, and they get back on the winning side of things.

The Braves will send 16-game winner and potential cy young candidate, Spencer Strider to the mound tonight at Truist Park. Strider currently leads qualified starters in the NL in wins (16), strikeouts (245), FIP (2.81), WHIP (1.054), and K/9 (13.8)

Strider had some of his best stuff in his last outing in LA, pumping in 100 mph fastballs, and striking out 9. However, much like many of his stat lines this year Strider still allowed four earned runs because he got bit by the home run ball. When Strider keeps the in the ballpark, that is when we get the special outings.

The Cardinals will send right-hander Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.02 ERA, 5.04 FIP) to the hill tonight to counterpart Strider. Hudson is coming off one of his better outings of the year in which he went seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball against the Pirates.

Last time I made this pick, I was spot on as I correctly predicted Matt Olson to end his season long homerless streak. Olson homered again yesterday so whenever he is ready to Cashapp me for the hot streak I gave him I’ll be here.

Tonight I have decided to give my obvious 100% guaranteed full-proof prediction hot streak to none other than Ronald Acuña Jr. In all seriousness Ronald keeps hitting the ball extremely hard and underperforming his expected outcomes. I think this final month he will be rewarded a bit more for his sustained excellence and that could start tonight.

Date/Time/Location: 9/6/2023 at 7:20 PM EST at Truist Park

TV: Bally Sports Southeast

Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan