Players To Watch
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Braves and Angels Face Off: Spotlight on Max Fried's Stellar Pitching

As the Braves prepare to take on the Angels in an eagerly anticipated matchup, all eyes are on Max Fried, whose exceptional pitching could be the game-changer. Fried, a starting pitcher for the Braves, has shown remarkable consistency in his recent performances, boasting an ERA of 5.063 and a WHIP of 1.5 over the past three games. His ability to strike out 8.442 batters per nine innings while maintaining a pitches-per-inning rate of 19.313 demonstrates his efficiency and control on the mound.


Aug 2, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Collin McHugh (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

On the offensive side for the Braves, outfielder Whit Merrifield has been making waves with a batting average of .333 and an OPS of .666 in one of the previous games, showcasing his ability to get on base and drive in runs when it matters most. Across all three games, Merrifield's performance at left field has been nothing short of stellar, contributing significantly to the team's offensive firepower.


The Angels counter with their own set of top performers, notably catcher Matt Thaiss who has been exceptional at bat with a .667 average and an impressive OPS of 2.334 in one game. Thaiss' ability to consistently get hits and contribute to his team's scoring opportunities makes him a player to watch in the upcoming game.


Aug 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Another key player for the Angels is infielder Nolan Schanuel, who demonstrated his power by hitting a home run and maintaining a .500 batting average along with an OPS of 2.5 in one of their last three outings. His performance highlights the depth of talent within the Angels' lineup and their capability to challenge even the most skilled pitchers.


The upcoming game is not just about individual brilliance but also about how these top performers can influence their teams' strategies and outcomes. With both teams boasting players who have excelled in recent games, this matchup promises to be a thrilling display of baseball at its finest.


Aug 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mickey Moniak (16) dives for a fly ball against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Fans won't want to miss this clash between two formidable teams led by some of baseball's brightest stars. The game is scheduled for August 17th at 9:38 PM ET at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. Those unable to attend can catch all the action live on MLB Network, ensuring they don't miss a moment of what promises to be an unforgettable game.

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