The Phillies are in Atlanta for the Braves home opener as they try to make a statement in a series between the two favorites in the NL East. Philadelphia sends Cliff Lee to the mound, while Atlanta counters with Tim Hudson.
Lee got the win in his first start, a dominant appearance against the Astros where he went seven innings and struck out 11. Hudson was solid in his season debut against the Nationals limiting them to just three hits and one run over seven innings of work. Lifetime against the Phillies, Hudson is 6-7 with a 3.79 ERA.
With Hudson on the mound, Ryan Howard seems like a good bet to continue his torrid start. Howard's lifetime line against the Braves starter is an impressive 341/.460/.805 triple slash with six home runs in 50 plate appearances. Howard is hitting .480 with two homers so far in the young season.
The Phils went 10-8 against the Braves last season, but won five of the final six meetings between the two.