MLB Predictions: Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Atlanta Braves (49-37) and Philadelphia Phillies (42-45) will continue a three-game National League East series Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies 1B Ryan Howard has enjoyed facing Atlanta Braves SP Tim Hudson

Atlanta has dropped three games in a row, with each coming by three runs or less, including a 5-4 setback to Philadelphia as +143 road underdogs Friday night. “It was a weird game,” commented Braves second baseman Dan Uggla. “We didn’t really play real well.” The Braves need to get things going, as yesterday began a stretch of playing 26 of 41 games against division opponents. Atlanta is 4-9 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125, with the OVER going 6-5-2 in that situation.

Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (4-7, 4.22 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last four outings, as he didn’t earn a decision in a 11-5 home victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks last time out. The right-hander is 1-7 with a 5.71 ERA in nine road games, with opposing hitters batting .291 against him. In 28 career games versus the Phillies, Hudson has compiled a 10-9 record and 3.81 ERA.

Philadelphia has won its last two games, while the OVER is on a 3-0 run. The Phillies have a chance to make a move in the division, considering they play the Braves 15 times in their final 75 games during the 2013 campaign. “It means we have to play like hell,” stated Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. First baseman Ryan Howard will likely lead the offense, as he’s gone 22-for-67 (.328) with seven home runs in his career against Hudson. Philadelphia is 10-17 as home underdogs of +100 to +125 the last two-plus seasons.

Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 3.59 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last six efforts, as he attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 6-1 road defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander is 4-2 with a 3.38 ERA in eight home games, surrendering six home runs in 53.1 combined frames. In 19 career games (13 starts) versus the Braves, Kendrick has tallied a solid 7-1 record and 2.86 ERA.