Atlanta Braves (70-46) vs New York Mets (75-40)
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 7:20 pm
My selection is on Atlanta first five innings over New York at 7:20 pm et on Monday.
I'll back the Braves in the first five innings in Monday's divisional showdown against the Mets, doing so as they have no considerable advantage with their bullpen in the later innings.
I do think Atlanta has a significant edge early with standout rookie Spencer Strider taking the ball against veteran Carlos Carrasco of New York.
Strider has posted a 1.97 FIP and 1.05 WHIP this season, yielding just north of 3.3 runs per nine innings. He'll certainly be up for this start after he turned in one of his worst outings of the season against these same Mets last time out. That start came on the road. Here at home, Strider has been lights out, posting a 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in six starts this season.
Carrasco owns a 3.42 FIP and 1.28 WHIP on the campaign. Note that he has allowed 3.2 more hits and 0.4 more home runs per nine innings compared to Strider this season. The last time the Braves faced Carrasco here at home they reached him for five earned runs over five innings last October. Take Atlanta first five innings (8*).