Braves Look to Stay Hot Behind Murphy’s Return, Host Phillies in Game 2
Sean Murphy wasted no time making an impact in his return to the Atlanta Braves lineup — and his presence might be exactly what this team needs to get back on track.
After a sluggish start without their All-Star catcher (Atlanta dropped 8 of 9 without him), the Braves finally showed signs of life Tuesday night. Murphy homered in his first at-bat back and racked up four RBIs, sparking a much-needed 7-5 win over the Phillies. Now, Atlanta is eyeing back-to-back wins for the first time this season when the two clubs meet again Wednesday night in Game 2 of this three-game set.
“It just seemed like the game gravitated toward him,” said Chris Sale, who struggled on the mound (5 ER in 4.2 IP) before the Braves’ bullpen shut things down late.
Manager Brian Snitker didn’t sugarcoat it: “We’ve been struggling. That was a shot in the arm. We needed it.”
Before Tuesday, Atlanta’s offense had gone ice cold — blanked 4-0 by Miami in their previous game and held to one run or less five times already this season. Murphy’s return might be the jolt they’ve been missing.
The Phillies came into this series winners of 7 of 9, and they didn’t go quietly in Game 1. Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos combined for six hits and four RBIs, continuing to mash. Despite the loss, Philly still hasn’t dropped back-to-back games this season.
Veteran righty Taijuan Walker (1-0, 0.00 ERA) gets the ball for the Phillies. He’s coming off a bounce-back outing in his season debut — six shutout innings against the Rockies — a far cry from his 2024 numbers (3-7, 7.10 ERA). Walker will have to navigate some tough matchups, particularly Michael Harris II, who is 4-for-5 with two bombs against him, and Austin Riley (5-for-12, HR).
Walker is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in nine career appearances vs. Atlanta.
The Braves will counter with Grant Holmes (0-1, 7.20 ERA), who’s still finding his footing after shifting between the rotation and bullpen. He gave up four runs in four innings in his only start, but held Philly mostly in check last season, allowing one run in 3.2 relief innings over three appearances — Castellanos took him deep once.
Key angles for bettors:
- The Braves’ bats finally woke up, and Murphy’s return is a real X-factor.
- Philly has been consistent, rarely losing two in a row.
- Walker looked sharp last time out, but his history vs. Atlanta is shaky.
- Holmes is unproven as a starter and could be vulnerable early.
If the Braves’ offense stays hot and Murphy keeps raking, Atlanta could be worth a look here — but Philly’s ability to bounce back and their dangerous middle of the order make this a tight call.
