Players To Watch
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Braves' Matt Olson and Cardinals Clash: Key Players to Watch at Truist Park

Braves' Top Performers


As the Atlanta Braves prepare to host the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park, all eyes will be on first baseman Matt Olson. Over the past three games, Olson has been a powerhouse for the Braves, boasting an impressive batting average of .444 with an on-base percentage of .583. His performance peaked in the game against the Twins on April 19th, where he achieved a remarkable .667 average and drove in two runs. With such consistent performance, Olson is expected to be a significant threat to the Cardinals' pitching staff.


Jul 20, 2024; Cumberland, GA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Another standout for the Braves is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna's recent form has been noteworthy, particularly during the game on April 20th when he posted a .333 batting average and scored two runs. Over three games, his overall OPS stands at an impressive 1.027, highlighting his ability to get on base and contribute significantly to Atlanta's offensive efforts.


On the mound, reliever Grant Holmes has shown exceptional control and effectiveness with a perfect ERA of 0.00 over his last outings. His WHIP of 0.00 indicates that he has not allowed any walks or hits per inning pitched recently, making him a reliable option for closing out tight situations.


Jul 20, 2024; Cumberland, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) throws out St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) (not shown) during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals' Key Players


For the Cardinals, first baseman Willson Contreras emerges as a key player to watch. Contreras has maintained a solid batting average of .361 over his last three games with an OPS of 0.875. His ability to consistently reach base could pose challenges for Braves pitchers aiming to keep runners off base.


Nolan Arenado also remains pivotal for St. Louis with his steady contributions from third base. Arenado's fielding prowess complements his offensive stats; he recorded a notable .500 average in one of their recent matchups against the Mets on April 18th.


Jul 20, 2024; Cumberland, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) gets hit with water by Marcell Ozuna (blue shirt)  after hitting a game winning sacrifice fly ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the tenth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

From a pitching perspective, Sonny Gray offers stability for St. Louis with an ERA of 4.5 over recent appearances but needs support from relievers like Phil Maton who have delivered strong performances with no earned runs allowed in their innings pitched.


Game Outlook


The upcoming clash between these two teams promises excitement as both sides bring formidable talent onto the field at Truist Park in Atlanta on April 21st at 7:15 PM ET (broadcasted by FDSMW). The Braves will rely heavily on Olson's bat and Holmes’ arm while hoping Ozuna continues his hot streak against Cardinal pitchers like Gray and Maton.


Fans can anticipate high stakes given each team’s competitive edge showcased through individual brilliance thus far this season—making it essential viewing for baseball enthusiasts eager to see which squad capitalizes best under pressure come game day!


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