Philadelphia Phillies Welcome Atlanta Braves for Pivotal Four-Game Series

The Philadelphia Phillies (78-55) enter Thursday with a five-game lead over second place in the National League East. On Thursday, the Phillies begin a pivotal four-game series with the team that currently holds second place, the Atlanta Braves. After dropping two of three to the Braves last week in Atlanta, the Phillies will need no less than two wins this weekend to feel comfortable with their division lead.

On the mound for the Phillies on Thursday will be Cristopher Sanchez (9-9, 3.51 ERA). In his last start, Sanchez allowed three earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. Sanchez has been a much better pitcher at home this season, pitching to a 2.18 ERA across 86 2/3 innings in 13 starts.

Here is how the Phillies will line up on Thursday:

1.) DH Kyle Schwarber
2.) SS Trea Turner
3.) 1B Bryce Harper
4.) 3B Alec Bohm
5.) RF Nick Castellanos
6.) 2B Bryson Stott
7.) C J.T. Realmuto
8.) CF Brandon Marsh
9.) LF Austin Hays

SP Cristopher Sanchez

The Braves will counter with veteran Charlie Morton (7-7, 4.24 ERA). In his last start, Morton allowed two earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six in 5 2/3 innings. Morton has not faced the Phillies this season but has faced them 19 times in his career. He has pitched to a 4.81 ERA across 97 1/3 innings in those starts.

Here is how the Braves will line up on Thursday:

1.) 2B Whit Merrifield
2.) RF Jorge Soler
3.) DH Marcell Ozuna
4.) 1B Matt Olson
5.) C Travis d'Arnaud
6.) LF Ramon Laureano
7.) CF Michael Harris II
8.) SS Orlando Arcia
9.) 3B Luke Williams

SP Charlie Morton

How to Watch

The first pitch for Thursday's game is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST. The game will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network (out-of-market only) as well as on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Bally Sports Southeast.

Phillies fans can listen to the game on 94 WIP or WTTM 1680.