Last night was pretty ugly for both teams in Atlanta. Far uglier for the Braves, obviously, as they lost the dang game. Both sides are hoping for some crisper play this afternoon and evening, and here are the lineups they’re trotting out to do it:
The Cardinals provide no surprises. It’s identical to last night, save for a Wong/DeJong flip-flop:
1. Dexter Fowler (S) RF
2. Tommy Edman (S) 3B
3. Paul Goldschmidt (R) 1B
4. Marcell Ozuna (R) LF
5. Yadier Molina (R) C
6. Kolten Wong (L) 2B
7. Paul DeJong (R) SS
8. Harrison Bader (R) CF
9. Jack Flaherty (R) P
Contrary to what angry “play the game the right way” fans on Braves message boards were yelling for them to do last night, the Braves have made the savvy decision not to bench their best player, Ronald Acuña Jr.:
1. Ronald Acuna Jr. (R) CF
2. Ozzie Albies (S) 2B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Josh Donaldson (R) 3B
5. Nick Markakis (L) LF
6. Matt Joyce (L) RF
7. Brian McCann (L) C
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Mike Foltynewicz (R) P
The more apt question is whether they can bench their bullpen because those guys, and not Acuña, had way more to do with Atlanta losing that game last night.
Things get underway in the Atlanta suburbs at 4:37 PM Eastern.