Philadelphia at Atlanta

Defending NL champion Philadelphia is on a 41-26 run after rolling over the Marlins, 4-1 and 7-1, then stealing Game 1 at Atlanta, 3-0, as an underdog. After ranking seventh during the regular season in steals, the Phillies stole five bases in Game 1 of the NLDS. The offense is eighth in runs scored, ninth in on-base percentage, and fifth in slugging, while the relief pitching is seventh in ERA (3.56). Philadelphia is 13-7 in the last 20 starts made by Zack Wheeler (3.61 ERA). He has 212 strikeouts in 192 innings and is holding batters to a .229 average. The Phillies are on an 11-3 run, 36-22 versus an NL starter with an ERA of 3.20 or better, and 17-6 in October games. Atlanta's Max Fried makes his first start since September 21, finishing the regular season on the injured list with a blister on his left finger, his throwing hand. He has a terrific ERA on the road this season (1.71) but a 3.86 ERA at home where batters hit .291 off him. He also has a lifetime 4.30 ERA against the Phillies with a 1.432 WHIP. Play Philadelphia.